Combitide 250 Octacap

Combitide 250 Octacap is a prescription combination medicine used for the long-term management of asthma. Each capsule contains salmeterol and fluticasone propionate in the labelled 250 strength, a long-acting bronchodilator plus an inhaled corticosteroid. Together, they help keep airways open and reduce inflammation so breathing is easier over time. It is not meant for sudden asthma attacks.

How it works: Salmeterol relaxes the muscles around the airways so they stay open longer, while fluticasone propionate reduces swelling and irritation inside the lungs. In this capsule-based inhaled form, the medicine is inhaled into the lungs where it can work locally to help prevent symptoms.

Combitide 250 Octacap is a higher-strength option than Combitide 125 Inhaler and is generally chosen when lower strengths are not enough to keep asthma controlled. Compared with the 125 strength, each capsule delivers more fluticasone propionate, so it may be used for people whose doctor wants stronger anti-inflammatory support while still using the same salmeterol-fluticasone combination. It is not a rescue medicine, and it should only be used if a clinician has assessed that this stronger capsule is appropriate.

• Maintenance treatment of asthma
• Prevention of wheezing and shortness of breath
• Long-term control of airway inflammation
• Help reduce nighttime asthma symptoms
• Maintenance therapy when a lower strength is not enough

• Use exactly as prescribed and inhale the capsule contents with the correct inhalation device; do not swallow the capsule unless your clinician has specifically instructed you otherwise.
• Remove only one capsule from the strip/box right before use.
• Do not chew, crush, or open the capsule in your mouth; the capsule is meant to be inhaled as directed.
• Take it regularly at the same times each day to maintain control, even when you feel well.
• If you also use a rescue inhaler, keep it available for sudden symptoms because Combitide 250 Octacap does not treat an acute asthma attack.
• Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after inhaling to help lower the risk of oral thrush.

Each Combitide 250 Octacap capsule provides the labelled 250 strength of salmeterol plus fluticasone propionate, and it is a maintenance dose rather than a starter dose. How often it is taken and the maximum daily use depend on the prescriber’s plan and your asthma severity; do not increase the number of capsules on your own. Your doctor chooses this strength based on prior control, symptoms, and response to lower-dose options.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Salmeterol + Fluticasone Propionate may include:

• Throat irritation
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Oral thrush (more likely if you do not rinse your mouth)
• Cough after inhalation
• Headache
• Muscle aches or mild tremor
• Palpitations or a fast heartbeat

• Not for sudden asthma attacks or status asthmaticus; keep a rescue inhaler for acute symptoms.
• Combitide 250 Octacap is a higher-strength capsule, so it should be used only when a clinician has decided the extra steroid exposure is appropriate.
• Rinse and spit after each dose to reduce the chance of mouth and throat fungal infection.
• Use caution if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes.
• Tell your doctor if you have tuberculosis, untreated infections, osteoporosis, glaucoma, or cataracts.
• Do not stop the medicine suddenly without medical advice, especially if you have been using it regularly.
• Use caution with alcohol if it worsens your asthma or triggers side effects such as dizziness.

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, or cobicistat can increase fluticasone exposure.
• Other long-acting beta agonists should not be used together with this medicine unless specifically directed.
• Beta-blockers may reduce the bronchodilator effect and can worsen breathing in some patients.
• MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants may increase the risk of heart-related side effects.
• Diuretics or other medicines that lower potassium can add to the risk of low potassium with salmeterol.

Store Combitide 250 Octacap in its original strip/box at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and keep each capsule protected until use.