Aerocort Inhaler

Composition of Aerocort Inhaler

Aerocort Inhaler contains Levosalbutamol (50mcg) + Beclometasone (50mcg). It belongs to the Short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) + Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) class of medicines.

Uses of Aerocort Inhaler

• Maintenance treatment of asthma
• Relief of wheezing and shortness of breath in asthma with an inflammatory component
• Prevention of asthma symptoms in patients needing both bronchodilator and inhaled steroid

Key benefits

• Relieves wheezing and breathlessness
• Opens airways quickly
• Reduces airway inflammation
• Helps prevent asthma attacks when used regularly
• Improves overall asthma control

How Aerocort Inhaler works

Levosalbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that relaxes airway smooth muscles to quickly open the airways. Beclometasone is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation, swelling and mucus production to prevent symptoms and exacerbations.

How to take Aerocort Inhaler

For inhalation use only. Use exactly as prescribed; usually taken regularly for control and may also be used as directed for symptom relief. Shake well before use, exhale fully, seal lips around mouthpiece and inhale deeply while pressing the canister; hold breath for 10 seconds and exhale. Rinse mouth/gargle after use to reduce risk of oral thrush; use a spacer if advised.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

If you miss a dose of Aerocort Inhaler, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause a racing heart, marked tremor, headache and a fall in blood potassium. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Aerocort Inhaler

Most side effects of Aerocort are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Throat irritation
• hoarseness
• cough
• headache
• tremor
• palpitations
• nervousness
• dry mouth
• nausea
• oral thrush (candidiasis)

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Aerocort Inhaler

Warnings and precautions

Not a substitute for emergency treatment of severe asthma attack unless your doctor advises; seek urgent care if breathing worsens or rescue doses are not effective. Do not exceed prescribed dose. Rinse mouth after inhalation to prevent fungal infection. Use with caution in heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, seizure disorders and glaucoma. Prolonged/high-dose inhaled steroids may rarely cause adrenal suppression, reduced bone mineral density, cataract/glaucoma and growth effects in children; periodic review is advised.

Do not take Aerocort if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for anyone with a known allergy to the propellant used in the inhaler.

Interactions with other medicines

Beta-blockers (may reduce bronchodilation), other sympathomimetics, MAO inhibitors/tricyclic antidepressants (increased cardiovascular effects), diuretics and xanthines (risk of hypokalemia), strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ritonavir/cobicistat/ketoconazole (may increase corticosteroid systemic effects), digoxin (arrhythmia risk with low potassium)

How to store Aerocort Inhaler

Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze. Keep inhaler canister away from flame/heat; do not puncture. Keep out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Aerocort Inhaler

You have been prescribed Aerocort Inhaler for the treatment of asthma. This medicine is for inhalation only. The tablet should not be swallowed. Take it at the same time everyday to maintain consistent level of medicine in your body. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. Use your rescue inhaler to control sudden difficulty in breathing. Dry mouth may occur as a side effect. Frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, increased water intake and sugarless candy may help. Gargle with warm water after each inhalation to avoid any fungal infections in your mouth and throat. Take the first dose of this medicine under medical supervision as it may cause wheezing or tightening of the airways (bronchospasm) immediately after using. Your doctor may regularly monitor your blood potassium levels as low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia) and medicines such as Aerocort Inhaler can lower potassium levels in blood. Only very small amounts of Aerocort Inhaler may get absorbed into the bloodstream after inhalation. Hence, serious side effects are unlikely. Do not stop taking Aerocort Inhaler suddenly even if you don’t currently have any symptoms as that may cause your breathing problems to come back.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

CIPLA LIMITED

Therapeutic class:

Respiratory (Anti-asthmatic/bronchodilator + inhaled corticosteroid)

Drug class:

Short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) + Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)