Asthma is characterized by bronchospasm, airway narrowing and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Some researchers believe that it is due to some allergens such as dust particles, fumes, chemicals, etc., that initiate the allergy and cause inflammation of the lung tissues.
Approval of Fluticasone Furoate Inhalation Powder
There are many varieties of inhalation powders available in the market. Arnuity Ellipta is one type of inhalation powder, which is beneficial in asthma. Recently, in London, the US Food and Drug Administration has given approval for its use as inhalation powder in asthma. This powder is used in asthma as maintenance therapy. The most effective and approved dose is 100 or 200 mcg of Arnuity Ellipta. This powder is inhaled through one specific inhaler, which is known as ellipta. GSK has researched for the efficacy of Arnuity Ellipta on 3600 asthmatic patients, aged above 12 years, and proved that it reduces the asthmatic attack.
Dosage
It should be taken once in a day. Large dose is not indicated and causes harmful effects. The gap between two doses is 24 hours minimum. The patient should start taking the powder with 100 mcg. The dose should be increased as per asthma severity, but should not exceed 200 mcg at a time. After two to three weeks of initiation, the patient may take 200 mcg of this powder, if 100 mcg does not produce any beneficial effects in asthma. Usually, it is the best to prevent recurrent asthmatic attack and aggravation. It decreases the inflammation of the tract and reduces the production of mucus. Mechanism of action is not yet properly understood.
Side Effects
There are a few side effects associated with its use.
- They are fungal or yeast infection in the mouth, infection of the nose and throat or pharynx, headache, inflammation of bronchus and alveolus, and hoarseness of voice. Mouth rinsing is essential to prevent the chances of yeast infection in the mouth.
- Adrenal gland suppression, hepatic impairment and hypercorticism may occur with very high dosage.
Complications
Some rare complications with the use of Fluticasone furoate inhalation powder are:
- Pain in tooth.
- Oropharyngeal pain.
- Backache.
- Allergic dermatitis.
- Urticaria.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Immunosuppression.
Contraindications
It is restricted in the following conditions.
- Acute attack of asthma.
- Management of status asthmaticus.
- Person with milk protein allergy.
- Allergy to any of its ingredients.
This inhaler does not provide relief in acute condition characterized by severe symptoms and acute bronchospasm. Withdrawal of this inhalation powder should be gradual with tapering dose. Sudden withdrawal is not recommended. Intake for prolonged duration also causes reduction in the density of bone.
If it is inhaled through the mouth into lungs, its 13% is delivered into lungs. However, if it is swallowed through the mouth, only 1.3% is available for its efficacy. Therefore, it is the best orally inhaled corticosteroid powder. The larger amount is eliminated from the body through feces and smaller amount through urine.
To know more about the treatment of asthma, consult an asthma specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/pulmonologist/asthma
