Pavtide (Fluticasone Propionate And Salmeterol Xinafoate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Pavtide Used For?
Pavtide MDI is a combination inhaler medication that helps manage breathing problems in people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who need regular treatment.
Primary Uses
Pavtide MDI is prescribed for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in people who need ongoing daily treatment. Asthma causes symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and cough. COPD is a long-term lung condition that includes chronic bronchitis or emphysema, causing shortness of breath, cough, chest discomfort and phlegm production.
How It Works
Pavtide contains two active ingredients that work together. Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid that reduces swelling and irritation in the airways of your lungs, helping you breathe more easily. Salmeterol xinafoate is a bronchodilator that keeps the breathing tubes in your lungs open and provides relief for up to twelve hours. Together, they help control breathing difficulties when taken regularly.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and should not be confused with anabolic steroids sometimes misused by athletes.
Emergency Use: DO NOT use Pavtide MDI to treat a sudden attack of breathlessness as it will not help you. You will need a different rescue medicine like VENTOLIN (salbutamol).
How to Take Pavtide
Pavtide MDI must be inhaled into your lungs through your mouth using the metered dose inhaler device. It’s very important to use this medicine regularly every day, twice a day, even when you feel well.
Dosage Instructions
For Asthma – Adults and adolescents 12 years and older: Two puffs twice daily from one of three strengths (50/25, 125/25, or 250/25 micrograms) as prescribed by your doctor. Children 4 years and older: Two puffs twice daily from the 50/25 strength only. For COPD – Adults: Two puffs twice daily from either the 125/25 or 250/25 strength as prescribed. Take at the same times each day for best results. Continue for as long as your doctor tells you, even if you feel better.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. If it’s not almost time for the next dose, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you become wheezy or feel chest tightness before your next dose, use your reliever inhaler as usual.
Proper Inhaler Technique
Before first use, release puffs into the air until the counter reads 120. If not used for a week or more, release two puffs into the air before use. Clean your inhaler weekly by wiping the mouthpiece and plastic casing with a dry cloth – never put the metal canister in water. After using, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to help prevent mouth soreness or hoarseness.
Important: Never use a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly or change the dosage without checking with your doctor.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Soreness in mouth, throat or tongue
- Hoarseness
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Joint pain
- Increased heart rate
- Skin rash
- Bruises
- Sweating, trembling, feeling nervous or anxious
- Sleep disturbances
- Unusual activity and irritability (mainly in children)
- Slowing of growth in children and adolescents
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Allergic reactions (wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, chest pain, hay fever, lumpy rash, fainting)
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma)
- Rounded face
- Worsening breathing or wheezing immediately after using the inhaler
Important Warnings
Before using Pavtide MDI, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure this medicine is safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Pavtide
Do not use Pavtide MDI if you are allergic to fluticasone propionate, salmeterol xinafoate, or any other ingredients in this medicine. Signs of allergic reaction include wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, chest pain, hay fever, lumpy rash, or fainting. Also do not use if the expiry date has passed or packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes. Also discuss if you have thrush in your mouth, tuberculosis, diabetes, thyroid condition, high blood pressure, heart problems, low blood potassium levels, or if you’re taking other steroid medicines by mouth or inhalation.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits with you. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Surgery Alert: If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anesthetist that you are taking this medicine as it may affect other medicines used during surgery.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Pavtide MDI and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you’re taking.
Important: These medicines may affect how well Pavtide MDI works or may be affected by it. You may need different amounts of your medicines or different medicines altogether.
- Beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Ketoconazole used to treat fungal infections
- Ritonavir used to treat HIV infection
Alcohol & Driving
Pavtide MDI is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but it’s wise to be cautious until you know how this medicine affects you personally.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. However, it is prudent to be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Pavtide MDI affects you.
Storage
Keep Pavtide MDI in a dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, away from direct heat or sunlight. If your inhaler becomes very cold, it may not work properly, so keep it away from frost. The metal canister is pressurized – do not expose to temperatures higher than 50°C, and do not burn or puncture it, even when empty. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep where children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Pavtide MDI, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort. Overdose symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, increased breathing rate, significant muscle tremor, headache, increased blood pressure, and increased blood sugar levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pavtide contains salmeterol which provides effects lasting up to twelve hours. However, this is a maintenance medication that needs to be taken regularly every day to control your breathing difficulties – it’s not for immediate relief of breathing problems.
Yes, it does not matter if you take this medicine before or after food. The important thing is to take it at the same times each day for the best effect.
No, this medicine is not addictive. It contains corticosteroids which are not the same as anabolic steroids sometimes misused by athletes.
Do not stop taking your medicine suddenly without checking with your doctor. If you stop suddenly, your condition may worsen or you may have unwanted side effects. If possible, your doctor will gradually reduce the amount you take each day before stopping completely.
If your breathing or wheezing gets worse straight after using your MDI, stop using it immediately and tell your doctor as soon as possible. This could indicate a serious reaction.
No, do NOT use Pavtide MDI to treat a sudden attack of breathlessness as it will not help you. You will need a different type of rescue medicine like VENTOLIN (salbutamol) for sudden breathing problems.
Clean your inhaler at least once a week by removing the mouthpiece cover and wiping the inside and outside of the mouthpiece and plastic casing with a dry cloth or tissue. Do NOT put the metal canister into water. Replace the mouthpiece cover after cleaning.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.