Flovent asthma inhalers
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Flovent Asthma Inhalers: Efficacy, Safety, and Usage in Children
Introduction to Flovent Asthma Inhalers
Flovent, a brand name for fluticasone propionate, is a commonly prescribed inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used to manage asthma. It is available in various formulations, including metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs), and is designed to reduce inflammation in the airways, thereby improving breathing and preventing asthma attacks.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability of Flovent HFA
A study comparing the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of fluticasone propionate delivered via different devices, including Flovent HFA, found that systemic exposure to the drug was significantly lower with Flovent HFA compared to other delivery systems like Xhance and Flonase. This suggests that Flovent HFA may offer a safer profile with reduced systemic side effects due to its lower systemic absorption.
Efficacy and Safety in Children
Dry Powder Fluticasone Propionate
Flovent Diskus, a dry powder formulation of fluticasone propionate, has been shown to be effective and safe for children with persistent asthma. In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, children aged 4 to 11 who received dry powder FP either once or twice daily showed significant improvements in lung function (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) compared to placebo. The study also demonstrated that the drug was well tolerated over a 64-week period, with minimal adverse effects.
Bioavailability in Young Children
Research on the bioavailability of fluticasone propionate in young children using valved holding chambers (VHCs) revealed significant differences between devices. The study found that the AeroChamber Plus with Facemask provided higher lung bioavailability compared to the Babyhaler, indicating that the choice of VHC can impact the effectiveness of the medication. Another study confirmed that coordinated inhalation maneuvers significantly improved drug delivery compared to uncoordinated maneuvers in children aged 5-8 years.
Impact of Inhalation Technique and Device Variability
Coordinated vs. Uncoordinated Inhalation
The effectiveness of Flovent HFA can be influenced by the inhalation technique. A study demonstrated that coordinated inhalation maneuvers, where the inhaler is actuated at the beginning of inhalation, resulted in higher drug delivery compared to uncoordinated maneuvers. This highlights the importance of proper inhalation techniques to maximize the therapeutic benefits of the medication.
Shake-Fire Delays
The timing between shaking and actuating the inhaler can also affect the dose delivered. Research showed that delays between shaking and firing the pMDI can lead to significant variability in the drug dose delivered, with longer delays resulting in decreased drug delivery for some formulations like Flovent HFA. This underscores the need for clear instructions on the proper use of inhalers to ensure consistent dosing.
Conclusion
Flovent asthma inhalers, particularly the HFA and Diskus formulations, are effective and safe options for managing asthma in children. The choice of delivery device and proper inhalation techniques are crucial for optimizing drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes. Ensuring that patients and caregivers are well-informed about the correct use of these inhalers can significantly enhance their efficacy and safety.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic