Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Fluticasone/Salmeterol Diskus

Fluticasone/Salmeterol combines a corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation with a long-acting beta-2 agonist that relaxes airway smooth muscle.

Fluticasone/Salmeterol combines a corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation with a long-acting beta-2 agonist that relaxes airway smooth muscle. Used for Asthma maintenance therapy, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance therapy.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Fluticasone propionate is an inhaled corticosteroid that suppresses inflammatory responses in the airways by binding to glucocorticoid receptors, reducing mucus production and airway edema. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) that binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation and lasting 12+ hours. Together, they provide both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects for sustained asthma and COPD control.

Approved indications

• Asthma maintenance therapy
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance therapy

Common side effects

• Tremor
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Oral candidiasis
• Palpitations
• Muscle cramps

Key clinical trials

• Study of Inhaled Glucocorticosteroids/Long-Acting Bronchodilator Drugs in Subjects With Asthma That Have Been Taking Inhaled Glucocorticosteroids (Study P04705AM1) (PHASE3)
• Study to Assess the Incidence of Local Oropharyngeal and Laryngeal Adverse Effects of Advair DISKUS 250/50 mcg BID (PHASE4)
• Single Dose Study of the Fluticasone/Salmeterol (500/50 μg) Administered With Elpenhaler® Versus Diskus® (PHASE3)
• Mechanism(s) of Airflow Limitation During Exacerbation of Asthma (PHASE4)
• Bioequivalence Study for Fluticasone Propionate 500 mcg/Salmeterol Xinafoate 50 mcg Inhalation Powder in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
• Bioequivalence Study for Fluticasone Propionate 250 mcg/Salmeterol Xinafoate 50 mcg Inhalation Powder in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
• Bioequivalence Study for Fluticasone Propionate 100 mcg/Salmeterol Xinafoate 50 mcg Inhalation Powder in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
• Bioequivalence With Clinical Endpoint Study of Fluticasone Propionate 100 mcg and Salmeterol 50 mcg Inhalation Powder/Respirent Pharmaceuticals vs. ADVAIR DISKUS® 100/50 mcg Inhalation Powder/GSK in Patients With Asthma (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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