Seretide 50 Mcg/250 Mcg Accuhaler is a combined inhaler that helps people with asthma and some people with COPD breathe easier. It contains two medicines in one device: salmeterol (50 mcg) and fluticasone propionate (250 mcg). Together they reduce airway tightness and inflammation so you get fewer symptoms and better lung control.
Key Features
| About Seretide 50 mcg/250 mcg Accuhaler | |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator combination |
| Subclass | Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS) and long-acting beta-agonist (LABAS) |
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Composition | Active ingredients:
|
| Packaging Type | Inhaler |
| Pack Size | 120 MDI |
| Dosage | 1–2 puffs twice a day |
| Therapeutic class | Respiratory |
| Action Class | Bronchodilator and Anti-inflammatory |
| Chemical class | Corticosteroid and Beta-agonist |
| Manufacturer | GSK |
| Shelf Life | 2–3 years from the date of manufacturing |
| Usages | Treatment of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, protected from light |
How Seretide 50 Mcg/250 Mcg Accuhaler works
- Salmeterol (LABA): Salmeterol relaxes the small muscles that wrap the airways. When these muscles relax the airways widen. This helps air move in and out of the lungs for many hours after each dose.
- Fluticasone propionate (ICS): Fluticasone is an inhaled steroid. It lowers swelling and irritation inside the airways. Less swelling means less cough, wheeze and breathlessness.
How does the combination work?
One drug opens the airways (salmeterol). The other calms the inflammation that narrows airways (fluticasone). Together they work better than either one alone for long-term control in people who need both types of drug. Clinical and product guidance supports this combined approach.
Uses
Seretide 50 Mcg/250 Mcg Accuhaler is used mainly as a maintenance treatment for:
- Asthma in people who need both an inhaled steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator.
- Selected patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) who continue to have symptoms or frequent flare-ups despite other bronchodilators.
Dosage
- Seretide Accuhaler is a dry-powder inhaler. The usual licensed adult dose for maintenance is one inhalation twice daily.
- Strengths and exact regimens vary by country and by patient needs, so follow the label and your prescriber’s instructions.
- The 50 mcg/250 mcg strength pairs salmeterol 50 mcg with fluticasone 250 mcg per inhalation.
How to use Seretide 50 Mcg/250 Mcg Accuhaler step-by-step
- Read the patient leaflet that comes with your inhaler.
- Hold the Accuhaler level and open the cover until it clicks.
- Slide the lever to load a dose. You should hear a soft click.
- Breathe out gently away from the mouthpiece.
- Put the mouthpiece between your lips and take a quick, deep breath in. Do not block the vent.
- Hold your breath for 5–10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
- Close the cover. Rinse your mouth if your prescriber advises (helps lower local steroid effects).
Side effects
- Throat irritation or hoarseness.
- Oral thrush
- Cough
- Headache
Serious but uncommon risks and warnings
- Not for acute attacks: Seretide is for regular control, not rescue use. Always carry a fast-acting inhaler.
- Heart effects: LABAs can cause palpitations or a fast heartbeat in some people. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease.
- Systemic steroid effects: High doses, or use with other steroid medicines, can rarely affect the adrenal glands. Discuss steroid cards and monitoring if needed.
- Allergic reactions: Rash, swelling or sudden breathing trouble need immediate care.
Interactions
- Beta-blockers (used for heart disease) can lower bronchodilator effects.
- Certain antifungal or HIV drugs can increase steroid levels.
- Other inhaled drugs may add to side effects.
Pharmacokinetics
- Most of the medicine acts in the lungs. A small part is swallowed or absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Inhaled fluticasone has low general exposure when used properly. Salmeterol acts mainly in the airway with prolonged bronchodilation.
- These properties let the combo deliver targeted lung benefits with limited systemic effects for most users.
Practical points and storage
- Store at room temperature. Avoid extreme heat or cold.
- Keep it dry. Don’t drop or damage the device.
- Check the expiry date. Replace the inhaler if damaged.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. Do not double up the next dose.
- Stick to regular dosing for best control.
Precautions in special groups
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use only if the doctor thinks the benefit outweighs risk.
- Older adults: May be more sensitive to some side effects like dizziness or dryness.
- Children: Seretide Accuhaler strengths and licences differ by age. Check local guidance before use.
Conclusion
Seretide 50 Mcg/250 Mcg Accuhaler combines a long-acting bronchodilator (salmeterol) with an inhaled steroid (fluticasone) in a single dry-powder device. It is a proven maintenance option for people who need both bronchodilation and inflammation control to reduce symptoms and flare-ups. It is not for sudden attacks. Use as directed and review technique and response with your healthcare team regularly.
References
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2707153/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9388234/
David Thompson –
Doctor switched me to this, and honestly, my asthma feels way more controlled now