Can I use ArmonAir Digihaler to treat an asthma attack?

No, you cannot treat an asthma attack with an ArmonAir Digihaler. It is only approved as a maintenance treatment to control asthma symptoms over time. If you have a sudden asthma attack, use the quick relief inhalers prescribed by your healthcare provider.

How long does ArmonAir Digihaler take to work?

ArmonAir Digihaler usually starts improving the symptoms after 24 hours but it may take a few week to notice the full benefits of the medication.

ArmonAir (Fluticasone) - Inhalation: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

What Is ArmonAir Digihaler?

ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) is a digital inhaler with built-in sensors approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the self-management of asthma. It contains fluticasone propionate, an active drug used to control and prevent asthma symptoms. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that works by reducing airway inflammation in the lungs to make breathing easier.

ArmonAir Digihaler should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks (for the relief of acute bronchospasm). You must use a quick-relief inhaler in case of a sudden asthma attack.

It is available by prescription as a powder to inhale by mouth using an inhaler (digital device).

Drug Facts

Generic Name: Fluticasone

Brand Name(s): ArmonAir Digihaler

Drug Availability: Prescription

Therapeutic Classification: Anti-inflammatory, corticosteroids

Available Generically: No

Controlled Substance: N/A

Administration Route: Inhalation

Active Ingredient: Fluticasone propionate

Dosage Form(s): Inhaler

What Is ArmonAir Digihaler Used For?

ArmonAir Digihaler is used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people 12 years and older. It prevents asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Asthma is a condition that affects about 300 million people worldwide. It can be triggered by respiratory infections and environmental allergens, including smoke. Asthma is more prevalent and is the most non-communicable disease in children. Black children are almost three times more likely to have asthma in comparison with white children.

ArmonAir Digihaler should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks (for the relief of acute bronchospasm). You must use a quick-relief inhaler in case of a sudden asthma attack.

Armonair Digihaler (Fluticasone) Drug Information: A person with their lungs showing — Verywell / Zoe Hansen

How to Take ArmonAir Digihaler

Read the patient information leaflet carefully and follow the directions before using the inhaler. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about using the device.

Make sure the device cap is closed (intact) before you start using a new inhaler.
The ArmonAir Digihaler inhaler has a built-in counter for inhalations. The initial number 60 is displayed right after opening. Each time the mouthpiece is used, the display number decreases.
Do not open the cap of the inhaler device unless you're ready to take the next dose. Open the cap right before inhaling the dose.
ArmonAir Digihaler does not require priming.
Take one inhalation of ArmonAir Digihaler twice daily, or as prescribed.
Rinse your mouth with water and spit the water into your sink after every dose. Do not swallow the water.
Do not use this inhaler more than two times in 24 hours (one day).
Inhale the doses deeply to get the medicine into the lungs.
Do not breathe out into the device.
Clean the mouthpiece with a dry cloth or tissue. Never wash the inhaler device with water.
Close the cap firmly after taking the inhalation.

Use fluticasone or any other corticosteroid as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you're using other corticosteroids, do not stop taking these medications without asking your healthcare provider. Suddenly stopping treatment may cause withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness, and other symptoms. Your prescriber may slowly reduce the dosage of your medicine to prevent adverse (negative) effects.

ArmonAir inhaler does not treat sudden asthma attacks. Always use a quick-relief inhaler when having an asthma attack.

Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Storage

Store your Armonair Digihaler with the mouthpiece pointing down at room temperature. Keep it away from direct heat and moisture. Don't store it in the bathroom.

Do not remove the device from the foil package until ready to use.

Never keep the inhaler near a heat source or an open flame. Don't puncture the filled or empty canister. Do not freeze this medicine.

Don't dispose of the inhaler near an incinerator or fire. Dispose of the device 30 days after opening the foil pouch or when the display is zero, whichever comes first. Be sure to discuss with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the best ways to dispose of this medicine. Visit the FDA's website to know where and how to discard all unused and expired drugs. You can also find disposal boxes in your area. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the best ways to dispose of your medications.

If you plan to travel with Armonair Digihaler, get familiar with your final destination's regulations. In general, be sure to make a copy of your Armonair Digihaler prescription. If possible, keep your medication in its original container from your pharmacy with your name on the label. If you have any questions about traveling with your medicine, be sure to ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Off-Label Uses

Oral fluticasone can be used off-label for:

How Long Does Armonair Take To Work?

Fluticasone may start to improve symptoms within 24 hours. However, it takes up to two weeks or longer after starting treatment to show the maximum benefits of the drug. In addition, the time to onset and degree of symptom relief may vary in individuals.

What Are the Side Effects of ArmonAir Digihaler?

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.

Common Side Effects

Some common side effects are:

Cold symptoms (stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat)
Ear pain
Headache
Hoarseness
Low fever, cough, wheezing, chest tightness
Nausea and vomiting
Upset stomach
White patches or sores inside the mouth

Severe Side Effects

Some side effects can be severe and need medical attention, such as:

Adrenal suppression (body cannot produce enough cortisol)
Growth suppression in children (stunting)
Bruising
Osteoporosis (reduction in bone density)
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Liver problems
Psychiatric disturbances
Allergic reactions (hives, rash, itching, trouble breathing or swallowing, shortness of breath)

These side effects need constant monitoring. Be sure to keep your regular medical exams during treatment with fluticasone to help manage side effects.

Report Side Effects

ArmonAir Digihaler may cause other side effects. Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your healthcare provider may send a report to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (800-332-1088).

(800) 332-1088

Dosage:

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For maintenance treatment of asthma:
- For inhalation dosage form (ArmonAir® Digihaler™):
  - Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 113 or 232 micrograms (mcg) 2 times a day (about 12 hours apart). Some patients may start on 55 mcg 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
  - Children 4 to 11 years of age—30 mcg 2 times a day (about 12 hours apart). Some patients may start on 55 mcg 2 times a day.
  - Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For preventing an asthma attack:
- For inhalation dosage form (aerosol):
  - Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 88 micrograms (mcg) 2 times a day (about 12 hours apart). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 880 mcg 2 times a day.
  - Children 4 to 11 years of age—88 mcg 2 times a day (about 12 hours apart).
  - Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. .
- For inhalation dosage form (ArmonAir™ RespiClick® inhalation powder):
  - Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 55 mcg two times a day (about 12 hours apart). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Do not use this medicine more than 2 times every 24 hours.
  - Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For inhalation dosage form (Arnuity® Ellipta® inhalation powder):
  - Adults and children 12 years of age and older— At first, 100 micrograms (mcg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mcg per day.
  - Children 5 to 11 years of age—50 mcg once a day.
  - Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For inhalation dosage form (Flovent® Diskus® inhalation powder):
  - Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 100 mcg two times a day (about 12 hours apart). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mcg two times per day.
  - Children 4 to 11 years of age—At first, 50 mcg two times a day (about 12 hours apart). Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mcg two times per day.
  - Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Modifications

The use of ArmonAir Digihaler may need close monitoring in specific populations:

Pregnancy: The safety of this medicine in pregnant people has not been established. It should be prescribed to pregnant people only if the benefits outweigh the risks to the mother and fetus.
Breastfeeding: It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this drug. Consult your healthcare provider.
Children: The safety and efficacy of ArmonAir are not established in children under the age of 12 .
Adults over 65: The overall safety and efficacy of ArmonAir Digihaler are not different in people over 65 above from younger subjects.
Other modifications: Formal studies using ArmonAir Digihaler have not been conducted in people with hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) impairment. However, fluticasone propionate is mainly cleared by the liver; therefore, people with liver impairment should be closely monitored.

Missed Dose

If you missed your dose of ArmonAir Digihaler, take it as soon as you remember. If it's already close to your next scheduled dose, however, then skip the missed dose and take the following dose at your next scheduled dosing time. Don't try to double up to make up for the missed dose.

Try to find ways that work for you to help yourself remember to routinely keep your appointments and take your medication. If you miss too many doses, ArmonAir Digihaler might be less effective at preventing your condition.

Overdose: What Happens If I Use Too Much ArmonAir Digihaler?

If someone has overdosed on fluticasone propionate, seek immediate medical help.

What Happens If I Overdose on ArmonAir Digihaler?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on ArmonAir digihaler, call a healthcare provider or the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222).

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking ArmonAir digihaler, call 911 immediately.

911

Precautions

If you will be using this medicine for a long time, it is very important that your doctor check your or you child's progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for any unwanted effects.

Although this medicine decreases the number of asthma episodes, it may increase the chance of a severe asthma attack when they do occur. Be sure to read about these risks in the patient information leaflet and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any questions or concerns that you have.

You should not use this medicine if your asthma attack has already started. Your doctor will prescribe another medicine (eg, a short-acting inhaler) for you to use in case of an acute asthma attack. Make sure you understand how to use the short-acting inhaler. Talk to your doctor if you need instructions.

Talk with your doctor or get medical care right away if:

Your or your child's symptoms do not improve after using this medicine for 2 weeks or if they become worse.
Your short-acting inhaler does not seem to work as well as it used to and you or your child need it more often than normal (eg, you use 1 whole canister of the short-acting inhaler in 8 weeks time, or you need to use 4 or more inhalations of the short-acting inhaler for 2 or more days in a row).
You or your child have a big decrease in your peak flow when measured as directed by your doctor.

This medicine may cause a fungus infection of the mouth or throat (thrush). Tell your doctor right away if you have white patches in the mouth or throat, or pain when eating or swallowing.

Do not change your dose or stop using your medicine without first asking your doctor.

Your doctor may want you to carry a medical identification (ID) card stating that you or your child are using this medicine. The card will say that you may need additional medicine during an emergency, a severe asthma attack or other illness, or unusual stress.

Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. Talk to your doctor if you have darkening of the skin, diarrhea, lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting, loss of appetite, mental depression, muscle pain or weakness, nausea, skin rash, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting.

This medicine may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means your breathing or wheezing will get worse. Paradoxical bronchospasm may be life-threatening. Check with your doctor right away if you have coughing, difficulty breathing, or wheezing after using this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after using this medicine.

This medicine may decrease bone mineral density when used for a long time. A low bone mineral density can cause weak bones or osteoporosis. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor.

Check with your doctor right away if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want your or your child's eyes be checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

This medicine may cause children to grow more slowly than usual. Talk to your child's doctor if you have any concerns.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Use ArmonAir Digihaler?

ArmonAir Digihaler should not be used in certain medical conditions. It is important to consult your healthcare provider if you have:

Any type of infection (bacterial, viral, fungal)
Glaucoma or cataracts
Tuberculosis
Herpes infection of the eyes
Liver disease
Low bone mineral density
Weak immune system

You should not use ArmonAir digihaler if you are allergic to:

Fluticasone or another ingredient of the formulation
Milk protein

Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not known how fluticasone affects pregnant and breastfeeding people; it may not be safe to use in these groups. Your healthcare provider always prescribes a medicine when the benefit of treating a condition may outweigh any risks.

What Other Medications Interact With ArmonAir Digihaler?

To avoid drug-drug interactions, ArmonAir Digihaler is not recommended to use with the following:

Sporanox (itraconazole)
Ketoconazole
Vfend (voriconazole)
Biaxin (clarithromycin)
Vaprisol (conivaptan)
Evotaz (atazanavir)
Crixivan (indinavir)
Kaletra (lopinavir)
Norvir (ritonavir)
Nefazodone
Dexamethasone
Medrol (methylprednisolone)
Prednisone

The use of these drugs with fluticasone may increase adverse effects. Your healthcare provider may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

This may not be a complete list of drugs that interact with fluticasone. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any other medicines that you take or plan to take, including over-the-counter, nonprescription products, vitamins, herbs or plant-based medicines.

What Medications Are Similar?

Mobile health and inhaler-based devices such as digihalers have great potential to revolutionize care for asthma. These devices have become mainstream tools to help those who may benefit from the information provided via counters, which can also help keep their symptoms under control.

A few types of Digihalers available in the market have similar transmission functions. In addition to ArmonAir Digihaler, other products available which may have a different active drug but manage asthma symptoms are:

ProAir Digital (albuterol sulfate): The first medication approved to treat bronchospasm in people over age 4.
AirDuo Digihaler (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol powder): Approved for preventing and maintaining asthma symptoms. Unlike ProAir Digihaler and similar to ArmonAir Digihaler, AirDuo Digihaler is not a rescue inhaler and is not able to treat a sudden asthma attack.
Arnuity Ellipta: A prescription inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) for controlling and preventing asthma in adults and children 5 years and older.

Although many inhaler-based monitoring devices are on the market, there's still a need to address issues like efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ArmonAir digihaler?

ArmonAir digihaler contains fluticasone. It controls asthma in adults and people above age 12. It is not approved to treat acute asthma attacks.
Can I use ArmonAir Digihaler to treat an asthma attack?

No, you cannot treat an asthma attack with an ArmonAir Digihaler. It is only approved as a maintenance treatment to control asthma symptoms over time. If you have a sudden asthma attack, use the quick relief inhalers prescribed by your healthcare provider.
How long does ArmonAir Digihaler take to work?

ArmonAir Digihaler usually starts improving the symptoms after 24 hours but it may take a few week to notice the full benefits of the medication.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Using ArmonAir Digihaler?

Inhaled corticosteroids have a significant role in managing many people with asthma. They improve, control and reduce asthma symptoms. Using digitally monitored devices can make it easier for people to self-administer the drug to manage asthma symptoms.

Read the prescription label and patient information leaflet provided with your device to understand how to use the device. Always take the prescribed dose and discard the device at the recommended time. Dispose of the empty canisters at a suitable place to avoid bursting accidents.

Fluticasone is a safe and effective drug, but it has few side effects. After analyzing your current health condition, your healthcare provider will prescribe this medication only if suitable for you. Don't use this inhaler if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without medical advice.

Medical Disclaimer

Verywell Health's drug information is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medication(s). IBM Watson Micromedex provides some of the drug content, as indicated on the page.

8 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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Castillo JR, Peters SP, Busse WW. Asthma exacerbations: pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2017;5(4):918-927. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2017.05.001
Ferrante G, La Grutta S. The burden of pediatric asthma. Front Pediatr. 2018;6:186. doi:10.3389/fped.2018.00186
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Asthma.
Dailymed. ArmonAir Digihaler.
MedlinePlus. Fluticasone oral inhalation.
Food and Drug Administration. ArmonAir Digihaler label.
Himes BE, Leszinsky L, Walsh R, Hepner H, Wu AC. Mobile health and inhaler-based monitoring devices for asthma management. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2019;7(8):2535-2543. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2019.08.034

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ArmonAir Digihaler (Fluticasone) - Inhalation