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Fluticasone (floo-TIK-a-sone) and salmeterol (sal-ME-te-role) is a combination of two medicines that are used to help control the symptoms of asthma and improve lung function. However, Advair will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started. Inhaled fluticasone belongs to the family of medicines known as corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines). It works by preventing certain cells in the lungs and breathing passages from releasing substances that cause asthma symptoms. It will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started. Inhaled salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator and it belongs to the family of medicines known as bronchodilators. Bronchodilators are medicines that are breathed in through the mouth to open up the bronchial tubes (air passages) of the lungs. Salmeterol is different than other bronchodilators because it does not act quickly enough to relieve an asthma attack that has already started. Advair must be used with a short-acting beta 2 agonist (e. g. albuterol) for the treatment of an asthma attack or asthma symptoms that need immediate attention. Advair is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Inhalation Inhalation aerosol (Canada) Inhalation powder (U.S. and Canada) Brand names: - Advair - Advair Diskus - Fluticasone and Salmeterol |