whats the difference betweenSeretide ... - Lung Conditions C...
whats the difference betweenSeretide and spiriva? is Seretide better because it also has steroids
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Seretide is only better in the sense that as well as containing a long acting broncodilator, it contains steriods that should reduce inflammation that causes the lungs to experience spasm anyway. So reducing the need for salbutamol a short acting bronocodilator. Remember Seretide, Spiriva should not be used for sudden attacks of breathlessness. Some doctors prescribe both Seretide and Spiriva together, and I am aware (even though I am not a COPD sufferer) that Spiriva studies have shown this be a successful drug for COPD sufferers.
t isn't really a case of one being 'better' than the other. They are completely different types of drug, each targeting different cell types and having different actions. Keep in mind that Seretide (or it's equivalent Symbicort) is a 'two in one drug' containing both Beta-agonist and very low dose corticosteroid.
Taking each one and it's actions separately:
Seretide (or Symbicort)
The corticosteroid aspect helps 'damp down' inflammation in the lung. Being inhaled directly into the lung means that very little goes a long way, and it largely avoids the side effects
associated with oral steroids. They don't work quickly and it may take a few weeks after first starting Seretide /Symbicort before any improvement becomes apparent.
The Beta-agonist component of this inhaler works mainly on the bands of muscle surrounding your SMALLER airways, relaxing them to help keep the airway open. It is a long acting Beta-agonist lasting around 12 hours. It is taken twice daily and starts taking effect quite quickly after inhaling - usually after 20 minutes.
Spiriva
Spiriva is a long acting Anticholingeric. This works on the muscles that surround the LARGER airways, preventing them from tightening. It also begins working in about 20 minutes. It is effective for 24 hours and is a once daily dose.
To summarise;
Spiriva = large airway action
Seretide / Symbicort = small airway action plus anti inflammatory action.
Hope this has been of some help to you. Auntymary xx
thank you . my question has been answered, the doctor did but a bit confused, so thank you. just been put on spiriva after hospital stay.
Thanks Auntymary for an excellent explanation, I've recently been put on both of these inhalers and did wonder what action they had and why I've been given both...now I know.x
While we're on the subject what does the Formoterol Inhaler do please ? Reading it on Google is ok but I wish they'd write it in layman's terms !
I am on that and Spiriva.
Hi Puff - Formoterol is also a long acting Beta-agonist so will have a similar action to the long acting beta agonist component of Seretide or Symbicort. I guess you could say that taking your Formoterol and Spiriva is like taking Seretide and Spiriva but minus the steroid ingredient.
Just to add that have been told by my doc that, although Symbicort is prescribed for twice a day, I can take it on the odd occasion when I get breathless - bit like ventolin - to open up the tubes. Even though on the package it states that it should not be taken as reliever therapy, it has apparently been shown to be effective in asthmatics. Additional factor, I really, really trust my doc.
Also formoterol is one of the ingredients in symbicort.
I bet there must be millions of people who need info on their medication so it would be nice if GP's could take time to explain things more fully. It's great that bloggers like you know all about it and are willing to pass on the details.
I never question my doctor about my medication and I must admit I know nothing about it.
It is really great to have it explained in such an easy, uncomplicated way.
Thanks
I have tried Spiriva but I can't take dry powder inhalers because it causes my tubes to become inflamed and I end up in the hospital.
Spiriva is not available in pressurised form,so I won't be using that again,though I found it did work quite wel before I had the reaction.
Regarding asking for info on drugs,I always find it better to ask my Pharmacist,they are usually more informed,and they always have time to explain things properly.
Alan
Thanks Auntymary that's the best explanation of spiriva and seretide action I have read.(Or heard)
Even my GP couldn't give me that.
My other question to him was, which one is best to take first. He didn't know that either.(Said it didn't matter).
After reading your explanation I'm thinking, take the spiriva first, because it acts on and relaxes the large airways, (Clear the pathway) Then wait 20 to 30 mins and take the seretide.
I've been taking which ever one came to hand first. One immediately after the other.
Be interesting to see what difference it makes. I'm thinking it will make quite an improvement.
(Every little bit helps. 
Cheers
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