Maxiflo 250 mcg is a type of inhaled corticosteroid medication containing the active ingredient of fluticasone propionate. It finds its application in treating respiratory disorders like asthma and COPD, which involve inflammation and swelling along the airways.

Key Features

How is Maxiflo 250 mcg administered?

Maxiflo 250 mcg works by:

• Reduction of inflammation: Corticosteroid fluticasone propionate reduces the amount of pro-inflammatory chemicals being produced in airways.
• Relieving symptoms: Maxiflo 250 mcg helps in reducing inflammation, thus relieving symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

HFA stands for Hydro fluoroalkane, which acts as a propellant in metered-dose inhalers through:

• Pressure generation: HFA is a propellant gas that becomes liquid under pressure in the inhaler.
• Atomization of medication: The medicine is atomized into small particles with the propellant HFA when the inhaler is actuated.
• Administering medication: The atomized medicine is then expelled from the inhaler and breathed into the lungs.

How do HFA inhalers work?

• The patient shakes the inhaler to mix the medication and propellant.
• Patient slowly exhales and then inserts the inhaler into the mouth.
• The inhaler is activated by the patient, releasing the medication and propellant.
• The patient breathes slowly and deeply, thus allowing the medication to reach the lungs.

Advantages of HFA inhalers:

• Correct dosing: HFA inhalers administer consistent and reproducible doses of medication.
• Effective delivery: HFA makes drugs deliver deep into the lungs.
• The major application of HFA inhalers is in respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD.

Usage

Maxiflo 250 mcg is a combination inhaler containing fluticasone propionate (250 mcg) and formoterol fumarate. The main indications for its use are:

• Asthma management: To control symptoms and prevent exacerbations in patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma.
• COPD management aims at improving lung function, reducing symptoms, and preventing exacerbations in patients with COPD.

The combination of the corticosteroid fluticasone propionate, and the long-acting beta-agonist formoterol fumarate in Maxiflo 250 mcg exerts both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects; thus, it is an effective treatment option for patients with respiratory conditions.

Dosage

• 2 puffs twice daily, or as prescribed by your doctor.
• Administration The inhaler is to be used as directed by the doctor, shaking the canister well before use.

Side Effects

• Common side effects associated with Maxiflo 250 mcg include:
• Irritation throat
• Hoarseness
• Coughing
• Headache
• Nausea

Serious side effects may include:

• Allergic reactions
• Adrenal suppression
• Increased risk of infection

Interaction

Maxiflo 250 mcg may interact with the following drugs:

• Certain antibiotics such as ritonavir
• Antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole)
• Other corticosteroids

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Fluticasone propionate is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract but well absorbed from the lungs.
• Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.

General information

• Take 2 puffs twice daily, as prescribed by your doctor.
• Use a spacer if your doctor recommends one.
• Rinse your mouth after every use to prevent oral thrush.

Safety

• Pregnancy: Use with caution; safety in pregnancy not established.
• Breast feeding: Limited human data, probably safe, but consult doctor.
• Kidney and Liver Problems: Inform your physician of any pre-existing conditions.
• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to fluticasone propionate or formoterol fumarate.

Efficacy

Clinical trials have demonstrated that combination fluticasone propionate and formoterol fumarate therapy provide effective long-term control of asthma symptoms and improves lung function.

Clinical Trial Results

Studies have established that combination therapy of fluticasone propionate and formoterol fumarate in patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma is both effective and safe.

Precautions

• Pregnancy and lactation: Use with caution, as it is unknown whether this drug is safe during pregnancy and lactation.
• Infections: Possibly cause infections or deteriorate an infection a patient already has.
• Osteoporosis: Long-term use may lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Conclusion

Maxiflo 250 mcg is an effective medication in the inhaled corticosteroid class, used in maintaining asthma and COPD symptoms. However, proper dosing and instructions in its use must be followed to reduce adverse effects and ensure optimal benefit.

FAQs

• What is Maxiflo 250 mcg used for?

Maxiflo 250 mcg is used to treat symptoms of asthma and COPD.

• How does Maxiflo 250 mcg work?

Maxiflo 250 mcg exerts its effect by decreasing inflammation and swelling of the airways.

• What are the common side effects of Maxiflo 250 mcg?

The most common side effects are throat irritation, hoarseness, and coughing.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542161/

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Fluticasone-Propionate