What if you accidentally took Advair twice? (+3 steps)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will explore what to do if you have accidentally taken Advair twice, what steps are to be taken, what are the potential effects of an overdose of Advair, what the recommended dosing frequency of Advair is and how to ensure safe and effective treatment of Advair.
What if you accidentally took Advair twice?
If you have accidentally taken Advair twice, then you need to consult your healthcare provider. Although some research studies have considered it safe to use a double dose of Advair for a period of two weeks (1).
However, the case might not be the same for every individual. The appearance of effects of an overdose of Advair depends upon various factors. If you have taken the doses twice without a certain interval and are experiencing symptoms then this can be concerning and calls for immediate action to avoid any complexities.
Advair is an inhaled medication that contains fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. It is a combination medication that contains corticosteroids along with a long-acting beta-adrenergic agonist. Advair is usually prescribed to treat conditions such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) and related disorders (2).
What to do if you accidentally took Advair twice?
If you have taken Advair twice accidentally, then you need to:
- Contact your doctor immediately to inform them of your situation.
- Observe and note any signs or symptoms you might be experiencing the overdose.
- Do not drink alcohol or take any other medication.
- Your doctor will have to check your vitals to ensure your safety.
- Your doctor might have to use supplemental oxygen to help you in breathing.
- If you are taken to a hospital soon after ingestion of medication, then your doctor might use symptomatic treatment strategies to manage the condition.
- Intravenous fluids are to be injected to help support the vital functions.
- Even though there is no specific antidote for Advair, some conditions or symptomatic treatment can be given by bronchodilators and beta-blockers depending on the condition.
What are the potential effects of a double dose of Advair?
If you have accidentally taken a double dose of Advair then there is a high risk of side effects. Due to the overdose, the most probable danger is the increased frequency and intensity of the side effects which can be life-threatening.
The potential effects of the Advair overdose include (3):
| Commonly observed effects | Uncommon but severe effects |
| Headache | Chest pain |
| Dizziness | Difficulty breathing |
| Tremor | Rapid breathing |
| Nausea | Blurred vision |
| Anxiety | Confusion |
| Palpitations | Seizures |
| Muscle cramps | Loss of consciousness |
This is not a complete detailed list of effects that might appear. The potential effects may vary among individuals due to individual sensitivity attributed to genetics, metabolic rate, age and gender along with underlying health conditions.
What is the recommended dosage frequency of Advair?
The recommended daily dose of Advair is as follows (4) (5).
| Condition | Age group | Dosing frequency | Maximum daily dose |
| Asthma | Adults and adolescents 12 years and older | 1 Inhalation twice daily (12 hours apart) | 2 inhalations of 230 mcg/21 mcg HFA twice daily |
| Asthma | Adolescents under 12 | Not recommended | Not applicable |
| COPD | Adults | 1 inhalation twice daily (12 hours apart) of 250/50 mcg Diskus | 1 inhalation of 250-50 mcg diskus twice daily |
If you have taken Advair twice a day, then it will not cause any complications as it is within the recommended dosage schedule. However, the two doses have to be 12 hours apart. If you have taken twice the dose at once, then this can be considered an overdose and may lead to complications.
How to ensure safe and effective use of Advair?
Here are some important points to ensure the safe and effective use of Advair.
- Take Advair exactly as prescribed and directed by your doctor.
- Try taking your dose at the same time each day to ensure an optimum gap between doses.
- Follow-up treatments and regular monitoring of the condition are essential.
- Open communicaton with your doctor can help you treat your condition better.
- Make sure the medication you are using is not expired.
- Take your medication with plenty of water. Avoid alcohol.
- Follow the proper storage instructions.
In my opinion, of you have accidentally taken Advair twice then it is safe to contact your doctor immediately. The potential effects depend upon various fcators such as the exact dose you have taken, what strength and type of Advair you have taken, how long it has been since you took the dose and what symptoms are appearing.
Your doctor will do a detailed assessment to get all the information needed to start with the treament plan.
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References
1.-
Adolfsson LE, Lundgren M, Tilling B, Jern S, Tyren C, Godwood A, Gor D. Short-term safety and tolerability of double-dose salmeterol/fluticasone propionate in adult asthmatic patients. Clin Drug Investig. 2005;25(4):231-41. doi: 10.2165/00044011-200525040-00002. PMID: 17523773.
2.-
Balamurugan S, Sonia D, Vikrant D, et al. Effectiveness and safety of salmeterol/fluticasone fixed-dose combination delivered through Synchrobreathe® in patients with asthma: the real-world EVOLVE study. Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease. 2022;16. doi:10.1177/17534666221137272
3.-
Fluticasone And Salmeterol (Inhalation Route) Side Effects – Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fluticasone-and-salmeterol-inhalation-route/side-effects/drg-20063110?p=1
4.-
Kerwin EM, Nathan RA, Meltzer EO, Ortega HG, Yancey SW, Schoaf L, Dorinsky PM. Efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 250/50 mcg Diskus administered once daily. Respir Med. 2008 Apr;102(4):495-504. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2007.12.002. Epub 2008 Feb 21. PMID: 18206361.
5.-
Advair: Package Insert / Prescribing Information. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/pro/advair.html
