Suminat Nasal Spray

What is it

Suminat is a combination drug used in treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In people who suffer from asthma or COPD, the airflow is obstructed because of too much mucus, because of an inflammation or the muscle spasms in the airways. Suminat relieves the symptoms of asthma and COPD caused by that kind of obstruction, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, congestion and cough, by simultaneously reducing the inflammation and dilating the airways.

Classification and Mechanism of Action

Suminat is a combination drug with two active ingredients - fluticasone propionate, which is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, and salmeterol, which is a beta-2 agonist type bronchodilator. Fluticasone propionate is a glucocorticoid that suppresses the inflammation that causes the airways to swell. Salmeterol attaches itself to the beta-2 receptors on the smooth muscle cells around the airways and causes the muscles to relax and allow better airflow.

Looking after it

Suminat should be kept at room temperature, away from heat or flames. It should not be punctured, broken, frozen or exposed to direct sunlight.

How to take it

Suminat comes in form of a disk inhaler or a regular inhaler. Either way, the drug is meant for inhaling, not swallowing. It should only be inhaled through mouth. Be careful not to spray the drug into your nose or eyes. It is recommended to rinse the mouth after inhalation and to avoid swallowing the solution.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of Suminat for adult asthma or COPD patients is one inhalation two times a day, 12 hours apart. The maximum allowed daily dose is 500/50 mcg twice a day. It is always recommended to start with a lower dose and increase it if needed.

Overdose

Do not exceed the maximum allowed daily dosage of 500/50 mcg per day. If you suspect an overdose, please seek immediate medical attention.

Missed Dose

If you happen to skip a dose, take the drug as soon as you can, but not if the next scheduled dose is near. Doubling the dose can be dangerous.

Warnings and Precautions

Before starting using Suminat, make sure to inform your doctor of any medical condition you might be suffering from. Also notify your doctor of any other medication you are currently taking, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors, ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nelfinavir and telithromycin. Using Suminat in pregnancy is not recommended and caution is advised during the breastfeeding period.

Possible Side Effects

Suminat may cause upper respiratory tract infections, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oral thrush and pain in bones and muscles. Other, far less common side effects include hypertension, irregular heartbeat and increased risk of osteoporosis, glaucoma and cataracts. Serious allergic reactions are rare, but if they occur, they may involve symptoms such as rash, hives, swelling of the face and neck, difficulty breathing, irregular or rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, fainting and seizure.

Treating asthma and COPD

Suminat is a combination drug designed in a way that allows both of its active ingredients to reach maximum efficiency with the least possible side effects, provided the drug is taken in lower doses. It is easy to use and very effective against symptoms of asthma and COPD, such as wheezing, coughing and shallow breathing. It should be used by persons who are taking other long-term asthma medications, such as corticosteroids.

When should it not be used?

Suminat should not be used in case of previous allergic reactions to either fluticasone or salmeterol or any of the inactive ingredients of this drug. This drug is not recommended for pregnant women.

How long should you take it

Take Suminat for as long as indicated by your doctor. Do not stop using it on your own. If you wish to stop using it, discuss with your doctor the effects the discontinuation will have on your condition.