Aerocort Rotacaps 100 mcg + 100 mcg

About brand name of the drug

Aerocort Rotacaps 100 mg is an allopathic formulation available in the form of Rotacaps meant for inhalation. These tablets are manufactured by an Indian based company, Cipla Pvt. Ltd. The major API responsible for its action is Beclomethasone dipropionate and Levosalbutamol. Aerocort Rotacaps 100 mg is a member of the group of drugs called short-acting beta-2 agonists. This medicine is used to cure the symptoms of asthma, but it can also be used to delay delivery in women who is go through premature labor.

About the drug 

Aerocort Rotacaps 100 mg contains Beclomethasone and Levosalbutamol as the active pharmaceutical ingredients, each in the concentration of 100 mg. It is available at online pharmacies, drugstore, and medical stores. Aerocort Rotacap is a short-acting beta-2 aganist that stimulates beta-2 receptors in the lungs. In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease conditions like asthma where the airways become constricted, Aerocort Rotacap opens the airways, and makes it easier for you to breathe.

About salt of the drug

Aerocort Rotacaps are a combination of both Beclomethasone dipropionate and Levosalbutamol, which have different modes of action and show additive effects. Levosalbutamol has a highly selective action on the receptors in bronchial muscle, which causes bronchodilation. Beclomethasone dipropionate is a synthetic glucocorticoid with a potent anti-inflammatory activity and weak mineralocorticoid activity. This combination of levosalbutamol and beclomethasone dipropionate is specially provided for those patients who require regular doses of both drugs for treatment of their obstructive airways disease.

Medical Uses of the drug

Aerocort Rotacaps 100 mg drug is used for the treatment of the following medical conditions:

• Asthma

This medicine is used in the treatment of asthma. It is helpful in prohibiting and treating symptoms such as breathing difficulties, wheezing, shortness of breath, etc.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This medicine is used to prevent and treat indications such as breathing difficulties, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, etc. associated with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is also helpful in patients experiencing frequent symptoms and suffering from frequent exacerbations of COPD.

 Working of a drug 

Aerocort Rotacap is a combination of two medicines: Levosalbutamol/Levalbuterol and Beclomethasone. Levosalbutamol/Levalbuterol is a bronchodilator which exerts its action by relaxing the muscles in the airways and widens them. Beclomethasone is a steroid medicine. It acts by inhibiting the release of certain natural substances that cause inflammation (swelling) of the airways. Together, they make breathing easier.

Side effects 

Major and minor side effects of Aerocort Rotacaps 100 mg are as follows:-

• Electrolyte imbalance
• Redistribution/accumulation of body fat
• Bone degradation
• Increased risk of infection
• Muscle disorders
• Increased blood pressure
• Skin scar
• Altered bone growth
• Behavioral changes
• Increased glucose level in blood
• Cataract

In case the patient is suffering from any of these symptoms, he should immediately consult a doctor.

 How to use 

Rotacaps must not be swallowed. Check the label for directions before use. Place the capsule at the bottom of rotahaler, not in the mouthpiece. Twist the mouthpiece completely until your hear a click and breathe in deeply through the mouthpiece. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds. If some powder remains in the rotahaler, the process has to be repeated.

Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as one remembers it. If it is time for the next scheduled dose, then the missed dose can be skipped. In any case, do not twice the dose.

Overdose: Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose occurs. Symptoms which are prominent during an episode of an overdose are headache, shaking and trembling of hands and feet, nervousness, irritability, fast and pounding heartbeats, etc.

Drugs that are known to interact with this medicine

Some potent drugs that interact with Aerocort Rotacaps 100 mg are-

• Beta adrenergic blocking agents e.g. Propranolol
• Digoxin
• CYP3A inhibitors e.g. Ritonavir, Cobicistat
• Amitriptyline
• Clarithromycin
• Ketoconazole
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Carvedilol
• Amiodarone
• Cisapride
• Labetalol

When to avoid taking the drug

• Allergy: This medicine is not suggested to use in patients who have allergy to formoterol, budesonide, or any other inactive ingredients present along with these medicines.
• Status asthmaticus: It is not prescribed to the patients who are suffering from status asthmaticus (a severe, acute asthma attack) as a first-line therapy since it is not effective in treating this condition.
• Cardiovascular disorders: This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with a known history of cardiovascular disorders due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects. 
• Diabetes: This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from diabetes due to the increased risk of elevated blood glucose levels.
• Hepatic impairment: It should be used very cautiously in patients with a known history of liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. 
• Seizures: It should be used with caution in patients with a known history of seizure disorder due to the enhanced risk of deterioration of the patient's condition.

Things to avoid when using the drug

While taking Aerocort Rotacaps 100 mg, avoid consumption of-

• Alcohol
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice

General Information and Precautions

• Aerocort Rotacaps 100 mg is not for use in acute attacks, but for routine long-term management; so, some patients will require a separate reliever inhaler for relief of acute bronchospasm.
• It is advisable to commence therapy with Beclomethasone diproprionate as a separate inhaler for those patients who are steroid-dependent.
• Patients who have been given long-term systemic corticosteroids need special consideration until their system has recovered sufficiently to enable the patient to tackle with emergencies such as trauma, surgery or infections.  

Precautions

• Pregnancy: It is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. 
• Breast-feeding: It is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the doubts should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine. 
• Thyrotoxicosis or hyperthyroidism: It should be used with caution in patients with a known history of thyrotoxicosis or hyperthyroidism due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. 
• Hypokalemia: It should be used carefully in patients with a known history of hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels) due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. 
• Seizure disorders: It should be used with extreme caution in patients with a known history of seizures due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. 
• Use in pediatrics: It is not prescribed for patients less than 12 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not established clinically.
• Infections: It will decrease the immune response of the body and increase the risk of infections. This risk is especially higher in patients more prone to infections.
• Diabetes: It should be used with caution in patients suffering from diabetes due to the increased risk of elevated blood glucose levels. Report any unusual symptoms such as increased thirst, headache, tiredness or weakness, etc. to the doctor immediately. 
• Decreased bone density: It may decrease the bone density by decreasing the absorption of calcium. Hence, it should be used very cautiously.

Storage

• Aerocort Rotacaps 100 mg must be stored at room temperature.
• It should be kept away from children.
• It should be kept in a cool and dry place and away from sunlight.
• Outdated or medicine which is not needed anymore should be discarded. 

General FAQs regarding the drug

Is Aerocort Rotacap safe to use when pregnant?

Ans. Beclomethasone: Please discuss with your doctor for case-specific recommendations.

Levosalbutamol: Please consult with your doctor for case-specific recommendations.

Is Aerocort Rotacap safe while breastfeeding?

Ans. Beclomethasone: Please discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Levosalbutamol: Please discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Can Aerocort Rotacap be used for asthma and wheezing?

Ans. Yes, asthma and wheezing are among the most common reported uses for Aerocort Rotacap. Please do not use Aerocort Rotacap for asthma and wheezing without consulting first with your doctor.