Asthma Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Flunisolide Inhaler
Using a flunisolide inhaler twice a day can help prevent asthma attacks from occurring. Although it is not a cure for asthma, the medication can decrease the inflammation of airways to reduce the chances of developing asthma attacks. Side effects can include nausea or vomiting, upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, and a sore throat.
The flunisolide inhaler (Aerobid®) is a prescription medication used to prevent asthma attacks. Flunisolide inhalers are available in two forms -- plain inhalers and Aerobid®-M inhalers (which are flavored with menthol).
Flunisolide inhalers will not be made, dispensed, or sold in the United States after June 30, 2011. Flunisolide inhalers contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals that deplete the ozone layer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set this final date for the medication in order to comply with the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. People using the flunisolide inhaler should ask their healthcare providers about alternatives to the medication, keeping in mind that it is possible that flunisolide inhalers may become unavailable in pharmacies earlier than the final date.
(Click What Are Flunisolide Inhalers Used For? for more information on specific uses of the medication, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with flunisolide inhalers. However, not everyone who uses the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of flunisolide inhalers include but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold)
- Nausea or vomiting
- A sore throat.
(Click Side Effects of Flunisolide Inhalers to learn about specific side effects, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD