Seretide Inhaler (Salmeterol + Fluticasone): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Seretide Inhaler (Salmeterol + Fluticasone) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Seretide Inhaler? (Seretide Inhaler kya hai)

Seretide Inhaler is a combination dry powder inhaler (Accuhaler) commonly prescribed in Pakistan for the maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD. It contains two active ingredients: Fluticasone Propionate (an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation) and Salmeterol (a long-acting beta-2 agonist that causes sustained bronchodilation). Together they address both the inflammatory and bronchospastic components of obstructive airway disease. Seretide is a maintenance inhaler — it is taken every day to prevent symptoms, not as a rescue inhaler for acute attacks.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Asthma maintenance therapy
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) maintenance
• Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction prevention
• Airway inflammation reduction

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Patients with persistent asthma who need both an ICS and a LABA as step-up therapy
• Adults and children (as per paediatrician advice) with poorly controlled asthma on ICS alone
• COPD patients with frequent exacerbations requiring combination maintenance therapy
• Patients with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction under specialist guidance

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• If you are allergic to Salmeterol, Fluticasone Propionate, or lactose (inhaler contains lactose)
• As a rescue inhaler — never use Seretide for sudden acute breathlessness
• If asthma is rapidly deteriorating or acutely severe — seek emergency care first
• If previously discontinued due to serious adverse reaction to either component

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• As prescribed by your doctor — dose depends on asthma severity and prior treatment

• As prescribed — use technique as per inhaler instructions

• Do not exceed the recommended limit — high doses carry adrenal suppression risk

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• Open the Accuhaler and slide lever to load one dose. Exhale gently away from device, seal lips around mouthpiece, inhale deeply and forcefully, hold breath 10 seconds, then exhale slowly.

• Always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after use — this is a very important step to prevent oral candidiasis (fungal infection).

• Usually morning and evening at consistent times

• Moisture can block the dry powder — never breathe out into the device.

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• Morning and evening

• Maintain a routine — consistent timing gives continuous airway protection

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Seretide is inhaled — food intake does not significantly affect its absorption. Before or after food — both are fine. However, ensure no food residue is in the mouth before inhaling, and always rinse mouth after use.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Seretide is not a rescue inhaler — use Ventolin (Salbutamol) for acute attacks
• Rinse mouth after every use — to prevent oral candidiasis
• Avoid beta-blockers (including eye drops) — they block the bronchodilator effect
• Do not stop suddenly — step down under your doctor's guidance

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Pregnancy: generally safe under doctor supervision — asthma control during pregnancy is important
• Children: dose and suitability will be decided by the paediatrician
• Cardiovascular disease, thyroid disorders, diabetes, hypokalemia: doctor supervision necessary

• Below 30°C, protect from frost, keep away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children
• After opening, use within the expiry period on the Accuhaler label

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Oral candidiasis — fungal mouth infection
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Headache
• Palpitations
• Tremor — mild shaking
• Throat irritation

• Paradoxical bronchospasm — worsening breathing after the inhaler (see a doctor immediately)
• Severe allergic reaction: rash, face/throat swelling, difficulty breathing
• Adrenal suppression (prolonged high-dose use)
• Significant hypokalemia (especially with diuretics)

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• Beta-blockers (atenolol, propranolol, metoprolol) — block the bronchodilator effect; avoid
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) — raise fluticasone blood levels
• Loop and thiazide diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) — hypokalemia risk with LABA
• MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants — cardiovascular effects can increase

The LABA + diuretics combination can lower potassium levels — this can be dangerous.

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Acute severe breathlessness not relieved by rescue inhaler (Ventolin)
• Chest tightness that is worsening
• Breathing worsens immediately after using Seretide (paradoxical bronchospasm)
• White patches in mouth or throat (oral candidiasis)
• Palpitations, chest pain, irregular heartbeat
• Signs of severe allergic reaction: facial swelling, throat tightness, rash, fainting

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Seretide inhaler kis kaam aata hai?

A: Seretide inhaler is used for maintenance of asthma and COPD. It contains both Salmeterol (bronchodilator) and Fluticasone (anti-inflammatory steroid). It is not a rescue inhaler — use Ventolin for acute attacks.

Q: Seretide ke side effects kya hain?

A: Common side effects include oral candidiasis (fungal mouth infection), hoarseness, headache, palpitations, and mild tremor. Always rinse your mouth after using the inhaler. See a doctor immediately for serious side effects.

Q: Seretide kaise use karein?

A: Use the Seretide Accuhaler as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Rinse your mouth with water after inhaling to prevent fungal infection. Confirm the exact dose and technique from the pack leaflet or your doctor.

Q: Seretide price in Pakistan kya hai?

A: The price of Seretide varies by pharmacy, city, and pack size. Confirm the current price at your local pharmacy or a licensed online pharmacy.

Q: Seretide safe hai — kya yeh long-term use kar sakte hain?

A: Seretide is approved for long-term use under doctor supervision for asthma and COPD maintenance. It is also generally considered safe during pregnancy for asthma control under a doctor's guidance. Always consult your doctor for your specific situation.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.