Advair is a prescription drug used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s usually taken twice daily using an inhaler. Below, you’ll find recommended dosages and dosing schedules.

Advair comes in two forms, which can be used slightly differently:

  • Advair Diskus is used:
  • Advair HFA is used to treat asthma in adults and in children ages 12 years and older

Advair is a combination drug with two active drugs: fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

This article describes the dosages of Advair, including its forms, strengths, and how to take the drug. To learn more about Advair, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers Advair’s typical dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Advair, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

This section provides information about the typical dosage options of Advair Diskus and Advair HFA.

Each form has different dosage instructions. Your dosage of Advair will depend on the form you use and the condition being treated. Both forms contain the same active ingredients (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol).

What are the forms of Advair?

Advair is available in two forms:

  • Advair Diskus, which has a dry powder that you inhale by mouth
  • Advair HFA, which has an inhalation aerosol that you inhale by mouth

What strengths does Advair come in?

Each form of Advair comes in different strengths.

  • Advair Diskus is available in strengths of:
    • 100 micrograms (mcg) fluticasone propionate/50 mcg salmeterol (100/50) dry inhalation powder
    • 250 mcg fluticasone propionate/50 mcg salmeterol (250/50) dry inhalation powder
    • 500 mcg fluticasone propionate/50mcg salmeterol (500/50) dry inhalation powder
  • Advair HFA is available in strengths of:
    • 45 mcg fluticasone propionate/21 mcg salmeterol (45/21) inhalation aerosol
    • 115 mcg fluticasone propionate/21 mcg salmeterol (115/21) inhalation aerosol
    • 230 mcg fluticasone propionate/21 mcg salmeterol (230/21) inhalation aerosol

What are the typical dosages of Advair Diskus and Advair HFA?

Typically, your doctor will start you on a dosage that’s based on the severity of your asthma. They may adjust your dosage over time to reach the right amount for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for asthma

For asthma, the starting dose and maximum dose of Advair depend on the form you use and the severity of your asthma symptoms.

The Advair Diskus dose for adults is one inhalation (puff) in a strength of 100 mcg/50 mcg, 250 mcg/50 mcg, or 500 mcg/50 mcg. The dosage frequency (how often it’s taken) is twice per day, about 12 hours apart.

The Advair HFA dose for adults is two puffs in a strength of 45 mcg/21 mcg, 115 mcg/21 mcg, or 230 mcg/21 mcg. You’ll use the drug twice per day, about 12 hours apart.

Your doctor can tell you more about your Advair Diskus or Advair HFA inhaler dosage and how to use the drug.

Dosage for COPD

Advair Diskus is the only form of Advair used to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms. The typical dosage for adults is one puff of 250 mcg/50 mcg twice per day (about 12 hours apart).

Is Advair used long term?

Yes, Advair is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Advair is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.

What’s the dosage of Advair for children?

The typical Advair dosage for children depends on the form they use (Advair Diskus or Advair HFA). Both forms are used to treat asthma. (Advair is not approved to treat COPD in children.)

If you have questions about using either form of Advair for your child, talk with their doctor or pharmacist.

Advair Diskus dosage for children

Advair Diskus is used in children ages 4 years and older with asthma.

  • The recommended dosage for children ages 4 to 11 years is one puff of 100 mcg/50 mcg twice per day (about 12 hours apart).
  • The recommended dose of Advair Diskus for children ages 12 years and older is one puff in a strength of 100 mcg/50 mcg, 250 mcg/50 mcg, or 500 mcg/50 mcg. The drug is used twice per day (about 12 hours apart). The starting dose and maximum dose are based on the severity of the child’s asthma symptoms.

Advair HFA dosage for children

Advair HFA is used in children ages 12 years and older. The recommended dose is two puffs in a strength of 45 mcg/21 mcg, 115 mcg/21 mcg, or 230 mcg/21 mcg. The drug is used twice per day (about 12 hours apart).

Your child’s doctor will determine what their starting dose and maximum dose should be based on the severity of their asthma symptoms.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of Advair based on:

  • the severity of your symptoms
  • the condition being treated
  • if you’re taking other drugs that might interact with Advair
  • if you have serious liver disease

When you first start Advair treatment, your doctor will see how effective the drug is for you. They may adjust your dosage if needed to make sure you’re getting the desired benefits of the drug.

If you miss a dose of Advair, just skip that dose and take your next dose at its regular scheduled time. You shouldn’t take two doses of Advair to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could cause serious side effects.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Advair on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

The dosage of Advair you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Advair to treat
  • your age
  • the form of Advair you’re using (Advair Diskus or Advair HFA)
  • other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Advair’s dosage?”)

Advair is a brand-name prescription inhaler drug that comes in two forms:

  • Advair Diskus, which has a dry powder that you inhale by mouth
  • Advair HFA, which has an inhalation aerosol that you inhale by mouth

Your doctor or pharmacist can show you how to use the form of Advair that you’re prescribed. The manufacturer also provides step-by-step instructions for using Advair Diskus and Advair HFA.

If you have questions about how to use Advair, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

You shouldn’t use more Advair than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an Advair overdose can include:

What to do in case you use too much Advair

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Advair. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Advair for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Advair without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Advair exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Will I need a different dose of Advair if I’m breastfeeding?
  • Would my dosage of Advair change if I’m using my rescue inhaler more often?
  • Does my Advair dose need to change if I’m taking certain other medications?
  • Will my Advair dosage be different if I switch from Advair Diskus to Advair HFA?

To learn more about Advair, see these articles:

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Q:

Is one form of Advair (Diskus or HFA) better than the other for treating asthma?

Anonymous

A:

Advair Diskus and Advair HFA contain the same active drugs: fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. (The active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.)

Both Advair Diskus and Advair HFA have been found to be effective for treating asthma. And guidelines from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute don’t recommend one form over the other. So, neither form has been proven to be better than the other for treating asthma.

Besides being approved for use in slightly different ages in children, the main difference between Advair HFA and Advair Diskus for treating asthma is whether the drug comes as an aerosol or a powder for inhalation. This difference in form is why the two drugs have different strengths. It doesn’t mean that one form is “stronger” or better than the other.

If you have other questions about how Advair Diskus and Advair HFA compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.