Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Salmeterol is used to control wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is also used along with an inhaled steroid medication to control wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness and in people with asthma. Salmeterol is in a class of medications called long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Uses and Dosage
Salmeterol is available as a dry powder for inhalation using a specially designed inhaler. When treating asthma or COPD, it is typically used twice a day, morning and evening, with approximately 12 hours between doses. Ensure consistent use by taking salmeterol around the same times every day. If using salmeterol to prevent breathing difficulties during exercise, take it at least 30 minutes before exercise, but not more frequently than once every 12 hours. If you are using salmeterol regularly twice a day, refrain from using an additional dose before exercising.
Use salmeterol precisely as directed; avoid using more or less of it or using it more frequently than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not use salmeterol to manage sudden attacks of asthma or COPD. Your doctor will likely prescribe a short-acting beta agonist, such as albuterol, for use during attacks. If you were previously using this type of medication regularly, your doctor may instruct you to discontinue regular use but to continue using it for sudden attacks of asthma symptoms. Adhere to these instructions carefully and do not alter your medication routine without consulting your doctor.
Salmeterol effectively controls asthma and other lung disease symptoms but does not provide a cure. Do not cease using salmeterol without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation may worsen your symptoms.
Before using the salmeterol inhaler for the first time, seek guidance from your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist. Ask them to demonstrate proper usage and practice using the inhaler under their observation.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
- headache
- nervousness
- dizziness
- cough
- stuffed nose
- runny nose
- ear pain
- muscle pain, stiffness, or cramps
- joint pain
- sore, irritated throat
- flu-like symptoms
- nausea
- heartburn
- tooth pain
- dry mouth
- sores or white patches in the mouth
- red or irritated eyes
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- burning or tingling of the hands or feet
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- fast or pounding heartbeat
- chest pain
- rash
- hives
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
- hoarseness
- choking or difficulty swallowing
- loud, high-pitched breathing
Caution
- Before using this medication, it’s important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, as the product may contain inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions.
- Provide your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist before using this drug, particularly if you have a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver problems, seizures, or thyroid problems (such as overactive thyroid).
- Salmeterol has the potential to cause a condition affecting heart rhythm (QT prolongation), which can rarely lead to serious, and in rare cases, fatal fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (like severe dizziness and fainting) that require immediate medical attention. The risk of QT prolongation may be higher if you have specific medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may contribute to QT prolongation. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs you are taking and disclose if you have conditions such as certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG) or a family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
- Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood might also increase the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may be heightened if you use specific drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or if you experience conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Consult your doctor about using salmeterol safely.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only if absolutely necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It’s unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Serevent Inhaler is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Serevent Inhaler inhaler:
- 25 mcg
FAQ
Is Serevent Inhaler a steroid inhaler?
No, Serevent Inhaler is a long acting beta-2 agonist and should be used only as an adjunct to corticosteroids in the management of asthma. Serevent Inhaler is not a replacement or substitute for oral or inhaled corticosteroids.
Is Serevent Inhaler a rescue inhaler?
Serevent Inhaler is not a rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack.
Resources
- https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/s/SereventCFC-freeinh.pdf
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/salmeterol-inhalation-route/description/drg-20073346
- https://medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/serevent#google_vignette
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5330/serevent-diskus-inhalation/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695001.html
- https://www.drugs.com/serevent.html
