Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s

Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s contains Beclometasone Dipropionate and Levosalbutamol Sulphate, a dual-action inhaled combination medicine designed for the management of reversible airway obstruction. Beclometasone Dipropionate is a potent topical corticosteroid that exerts its anti-inflammatory action directly on the bronchial mucosa, reducing oedema, mucus secretion, and airway hypersensitivity. It belongs to the inhaled corticosteroid class and helps prevent symptoms when used regularly over time.

Levosalbutamol, the levorotatory (R)-enantiomer of racemic salbutamol, is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist that acts on the smooth muscle of the bronchi, producing rapid and effective bronchodilation. It is considered pharmacologically superior to racemic salbutamol as it is the pharmacologically active form with fewer cardiovascular and metabolic side effects at equivalent bronchodilatory doses.

The combination of these two agents in a single inhaler simplifies treatment regimens, improves patient adherence, and provides complementary mechanisms of action — one addressing the immediate bronchospasm and the other targeting the underlying inflammatory process that drives airway disease.

Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s is available in inhaler devices such as metered dose inhalers (MDI) and may be combined with a spacer device for optimal drug delivery. It is intended for inhalation use only and should be used as prescribed, typically as a fixed schedule or on-demand basis depending on the clinical indication.

The uses of Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s are as follows:

Bronchial Asthma

Management of mild to moderate persistent asthma requiring both a controller (ICS) and a reliever (SABA) component.

Acute Bronchospasm

Rapid relief of acute episodes of breathlessness, wheeze, and chest tightness.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Symptomatic relief and reduction of exacerbations in patients with significant airway reversibility.

Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm

Prevention of bronchoconstriction triggered by physical exertion when used prior to exercise.

Allergic Asthma

Control of airway inflammation in allergically mediated asthma.

Chronic Bronchitis with Reversible Airway Obstruction

Maintenance therapy in selected patients with overlapping features of obstructive airways disease.

Here are the benefits of Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s:

• Dual Action in a Single Inhaler: The combination delivers both a rapid-acting bronchodilator (Levosalbutamol) and an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid (Beclometasone) simultaneously, addressing both the acute bronchoconstriction and the underlying airway inflammation that perpetuates asthma and COPD.

• Rapid Onset of Bronchodilation: Levosalbutamol begins to open the airways within minutes of inhalation, providing fast relief from breathlessness, wheeze, and chest tightness during symptomatic episodes.

• Sustained Reduction of Airway Inflammation: Regular use of Beclometasone reduces the chronic inflammatory changes in the airway mucosa, decreasing sensitivity to triggers, preventing exacerbations, and lowering the frequency of acute attacks over time.

• Improved Tolerability Over Racemic Salbutamol: Levosalbutamol, being the pharmacologically active enantiomer, achieves equivalent or superior bronchodilation at lower doses, with a comparatively reduced incidence of tremor, palpitations, and other sympathomimetic side effects.

• Simplified Treatment and Better Adherence: Combining two medicines into one inhaler reduces the number of devices a patient needs to manage, improving convenience, simplifying daily routines, and supporting consistent long-term use.

Like all medicines, Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s may cause side effects in some individuals, although many people tolerate it well. Most side effects are mild, temporary, and improve with continued use or with adjustment of technique.

Common Side Effects

• Throat Irritation and Hoarseness: Related to local deposition of corticosteroid in the oropharynx; rinsing the mouth after inhalation helps reduce this.

• Oral Candidiasis (Thrush): Fungal infection of the mouth or throat may develop with regular corticosteroid inhaler use, particularly if mouth rinsing is neglected.

• Tremor: Fine trembling of the hands or fingers due to the beta-2 stimulant effect of Levosalbutamol; usually mild and transient.

• Palpitations or Increased Heart Rate: Tachycardia may occur, particularly after higher doses.

• Headache: May occur with regular use in some individuals.

• Dry Mouth or Cough: Irritation from the inhaled propellant or medicine particle deposition.

Uncommon Side Effects

• Nervousness or Restlessness: Related to sympathomimetic stimulation.

• Hypokalaemia (Low Potassium): Particularly with high doses; more relevant in patients on diuretics or with existing cardiac conditions.

• Throat Dryness or Dysphonia: Voice changes due to corticosteroid deposition on vocal cords.

Serious Side Effects (Require Immediate Medical Attention)

• Paradoxical Bronchospasm: Worsening of breathing immediately after inhalation, which is rare but requires stopping the medicine and seeking medical review.

• Severe Allergic Reaction: Hives, facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or collapse — seek emergency care.

• Significant Tachyarrhythmia: Rapid or irregular heartbeat requiring urgent evaluation.

• Adrenal Suppression: With prolonged high-dose corticosteroid inhalation; clinically relevant particularly in children and during periods of physiological stress.

Always consult your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms while taking Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s.

To ensure optimal drug delivery and minimise side effects, Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s should be used exactly as advised by your doctor, with the correct inhaler technique being essential to efficacy.

• Take Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s exactly as prescribed. Do not self-adjust the dose or frequency.

• Shake the inhaler well before each use (for MDI formulations).

• Exhale fully before placing the mouthpiece between the lips.

• Inhale slowly and deeply while pressing the canister, then hold the breath for 10 seconds.

• Use a spacer device if advised, especially in children or those who find coordination difficult.

• Always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each use to prevent oral thrush and hoarseness.

• Do not exceed the prescribed number of puffs per dose or per day.

• If using other inhalers, follow the order of use as directed by your doctor.

• Keep the inhaler cap closed when not in use and clean the mouthpiece regularly.

Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s works through two complementary and synergistic mechanisms.

Levosalbutamol selectively binds to beta-2 adrenergic receptors located on the bronchial smooth muscle cells. This activates adenylyl cyclase, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), which in turn activates protein kinase A. The result is smooth muscle relaxation, leading to rapid dilation of the bronchial airways, reduced airflow resistance, and relief of breathlessness within minutes.

Beclometasone Dipropionate is a halogenated glucocorticoid that exerts potent local anti-inflammatory effects on the airway mucosa. After inhalation, it binds to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors and enters the nucleus, suppressing the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes and inhibiting the release of cytokines, histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from inflammatory cells such as mast cells, eosinophils, and macrophages. This reduces airway oedema, mucus hypersecretion, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness over time.

Together, this dual action provides both immediate symptomatic relief and long-term disease control by addressing bronchoconstriction and inflammation simultaneously.

A few practical measures can significantly improve treatment outcomes and minimise the risk of side effects.

• Always rinse your mouth with water after every use to prevent oral fungal infections.

• Use a spacer to improve drug delivery deep into the airways.

• Never stop the corticosteroid component abruptly without medical advice.

• Carry a separate reliever inhaler for acute emergencies if prescribed.

• Track your symptoms and peak flow readings to monitor response.

• Avoid known asthma or COPD triggers such as allergens, cold air, and smoke.

• Attend regular follow-ups to assess whether inhaler stepping-up or stepping-down is appropriate.

Proper storage helps maintain the effectiveness and safety of Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s throughout its shelf life.

• Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C.

• Do not refrigerate or freeze the inhaler; extreme temperatures may damage the canister.

• Keep away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and open flames — the pressurised canister is flammable.

• Keep out of reach of children.

• Replace the cap after each use.

• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label.

• Check the dose counter regularly to ensure the canister is not empty.

Drug-Food Interactions

Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s does not have significant interactions with most foods. However:

• Avoid excessive caffeine intake, as it may amplify palpitations or nervousness associated with Levosalbutamol.

• Maintain adequate potassium intake through the diet, particularly when on high doses, as beta-2 agonists can lower serum potassium.

• Avoid smoking, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids and worsens airway disease.

Beclometasone + Levosalbutamol may interact with:

• Beta-Blockers (e.g. propranolol): May block the bronchodilatory effect of Levosalbutamol and precipitate bronchoconstriction.

• Other Beta-2 Agonists: Concurrent use increases the risk of sympathomimetic side effects such as tachycardia and tremor.

• Xanthines (e.g. theophylline): May increase the risk of hypokalaemia and cardiovascular effects.

• Diuretics (e.g. furosemide, thiazides): Can worsen hypokalaemia when combined with beta-2 agonists.

• MAO Inhibitors or Tricyclic Antidepressants: May potentiate the cardiovascular effects of Levosalbutamol.

• Antifungals (e.g. itraconazole): May increase plasma concentrations of corticosteroids, raising the risk of systemic side effects.

• Corticosteroids (systemic): Additive immunosuppressive and metabolic effects with long-term high-dose inhaled corticosteroid use.

Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s should be used carefully in:

• Cardiac Arrhythmias or Ischaemic Heart Disease: Levosalbutamol may precipitate or worsen tachyarrhythmias.

• Uncontrolled Hypertension: Beta-2 stimulation can cause mild elevation in blood pressure.

• Diabetes Mellitus: Corticosteroids can raise blood glucose levels, and beta-agonists can cause transient hyperglycaemia.

• Hypokalaemia: Beta-2 agonists and corticosteroids may both lower potassium; risk is higher when combined with diuretics.

• Hyperthyroidism: Increased sensitivity to sympathomimetic effects may occur.

• Glaucoma: Prolonged high-dose corticosteroid inhalation may raise intraocular pressure in predisposed individuals.

• Osteoporosis: Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use at high doses may reduce bone mineral density.

The dose depends on the severity of the disease, patient age, inhaler device, and clinical response. In asthma, inhalation is typically administered as one to two puffs twice daily for the corticosteroid component, or one to two puffs as needed for acute relief from the bronchodilator. In fixed-combination inhalers, dosing frequency is as directed by the prescribing physician. Always follow medical instructions carefully and never exceed the recommended daily number of puffs.

If you miss a scheduled dose of Preflo LV 50mcg/0.5mgInhaler 1s, use it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never double the dose to make up for a missed one.