Absorption: Flexhaler: 39%; Respules: 6%. Action is primarily local following inhalation.
Distribution: Crosses placenta; enters breast milk in small amounts.
Protein Binding: 85–90%.
Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized by the liver (primarily by CYP3A4) following absorption from lungs; 60% excreted in urine, 40% in feces.
Half-life: Adults: 2–3.6 hr; Children 10–14 yrs: 1.5 hr; Children 4–6 yrs: 2.3 hr (after nebulization).
(improvement in symptoms)
| ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
| Inhaln | within 24 hr | 1–4 wk† | unknown |
| Nebulization | with 2–8 days | 4–6 wk | unknown |
†Improvement in pulmonary function; decreased airway responsiveness may take longer.
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
Derm: rash.
EENT: otitis media, dysphonia, epistaxis, oropharyngeal fungal infections, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis.
Endo: ↓ growth (children), adrenal suppression (high dose, long-term therapy only), weight gain.
GI: abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting.
MS: back pain.
Neuro: headache.
Resp: bronchospasm, cough.
Misc: ANAPHYLAXIS, flu-like syndrome.
Drug-Drug:
Flexhaler
Respules
(Generic available)
NDC Code*