If you have asthma, your doctor has probably given you an inhaler to use. But did you know that there are two main types of inhalers? One is the 'Reliever' inhaler (usually the blue one), which you use when you have trouble breathing. The other is the 'Preventer' inhaler, which you use every day to prevent that trouble from happening. Today we are going to talk about Flunisolide, one such 'Preventer' inhaler that is used to control asthma.
Simply put, what is this Flunisolide?
Flunisolide is a corticosteroid medication that works by reducing the subtle swelling, or inflammation, in medical terms, inside your lungs.
Imagine that someone with asthma has a constant inflammation inside their lungs, like a small fire. The difficulty in breathing comes when this fire suddenly flares up like a big fire. So, what this Flunisolide inhaler does is extinguish that fire and keep it under control. This prevents asthma attacks from happening again and again.
Very important: This inhaler is used to prevent asthma symptoms from occurring. It should never be used for a sudden shortness of breath (acute asthma attack). In such a case, the blue 'Reliever' inhaler that your doctor has given you should be used.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start using this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor the following information, as this medicine may not be suitable for everyone.
| Let us know if you have these conditions. | Why is that? |
|---|---|
| An infection such as tuberculosis, herpes, or fungus. | Steroid medications can slightly reduce the body's immunity, so if you already have an infection, it may worsen. |
| If you have recently had surgery or an injury to your mouth or throat. | Steroids can slightly delay wound healing. |
| If you are already using another type of steroid in pill form. | It is important to inform this to prevent an overdose of the medication. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to flunisolide or other medicines, foods, or dyes. | It is essential to inform the doctor about any allergies. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | Pregnant and nursing mothers should seek medical advice before taking any medication. |
How to use the inhaler correctly?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
- This medicine is to be inhaled through the mouth.
- Follow the instructions on the label of the medication prescribed by your doctor exactly.
- To get the best results from this, you should use it at the right time, in the right dosage, every day . Do not use it more often or in a larger amount than your doctor tells you to.
- When you are finished using your inhaler, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and throw it out. Medication left in your mouth can cause a fungal infection of the tongue (oral thrush). Rinsing your mouth is the way to prevent this. Never swallow the mouthwash.
- If you are unsure whether you are using your inhaler correctly, ask your doctor to learn how to do it correctly.
- Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.
If you give it to children...
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe this medicine for children over 6 years of age. However, there are some special precautions to be taken when giving it to children. Therefore, follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have overdosed on this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss your medication appointment?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications may interact with Flunisolide, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Medicines that should never be taken with Flunisolide | |
|---|---|
| - Mifepristone | |
| Inform your doctor if you are taking the following medications: | |
| Barbiturate-type medication used for sleep or epilepsy | Carbamazepine |
| Phenytoin | Rifampin |
This list is not exhaustive. Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Visit your doctor on scheduled days to check the progress of your condition.
- If your symptoms do not improve after a week or two of using the medicine, tell your doctor.
- If your asthma symptoms get worse, or you need to use your reliever inhaler (the blue one) more often than usual, talk to your doctor right away. This means your asthma is not under control.
- While you are taking this medicine, stay away from people who have chickenpox or measles. This medicine can weaken your immune system, so if you do get one, it could be more serious. If you accidentally come into contact with someone who has it, tell your doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| - Chest pain | - Fast or irregular heartbeat |
| - Fever, cold, or other signs of infection | - Anxiety, dizziness, tremors |
| - Skin irritation, itching | - Difficulty breathing or wheezing |
| - Abnormal swelling of the body | - White spots or sores in the mouth or tongue (this could be a fungal infection) |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| - Coughing, hoarseness | - Diarrhea |
| - Dry mouth | - Headache |
| - Loss of taste or unpleasant taste | - Nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort |
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). If the inhaler gets too cold, it may not deliver enough medicine.
- Avoid piercing the canister or throwing it into fire.
- Discard after expiration.
Take-Home Message
- Flunisolide is an inhaler that prevents asthma attacks. It is not a medicine to use when you suddenly have difficulty breathing.
- For best results, continue to use it daily , as directed by your doctor.
- Rinse your mouth with water and throw away the inhaler every time you use it.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any other illnesses you have.
- If your asthma gets worse or you need to use your 'Reliever' inhaler more often, seek medical advice immediately.
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