Salmeterol - Medication Detail

Medication Type:  Long-term control, should be used every day as prescribed

Generic Names:  Salmeterol

Brand Names:  Serevent Diskus®

Description:   A dry powder inhaler used every day for long term control of asthma symptoms. Over time, it works to relax muscles in the airway and open the airways for easier breathing.

Delivery

DPI (dry powder inhaler)

Spacer

Serevent cannot be used with a spacer

Dosage

Adults and children > 4 years:

  • 1 inhalation (50 mcg) two times a day, spaced about 12 hours apart. It must be used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid.
  • For exercise induced asthma take 1 inhalation at least 30 minutes before exercise; wait at least 12 hours before taking next dose.
  • Do not use for exercise induced asthma if you are already using salmeterol twice daily.

Proper Use

See instructions for proper use:

  • Before inhaling the dose, breathe out fully
  • Do not exhale into the Diskus device
  • Push the lever down until it clicks and keep in a level, horizontal position
  • Inhale quickly and deeply through the Diskus
  • Hold breath for about 10 seconds or for as long as  comfortable and exhale slowly
  • Do not use with a spacer device or wash mouthpiece
  • Diskus should be kept dry
  • Discard device 6 weeks after removal from foil pouch or when the dose counter reads “0” (whichever comes first)

Precautions

  • Do NOT use this drug to treat an asthma attack
  • Do not use this medication alone to treat asthma; it must be used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid
  • Tell your doctor if you have a severe milk allergy, heart disease (irregular heartbeat/arrhythmia, high blood pressure, or other), diabetes, liver disease, thyroid disease, or a history of seizures

Common Interactions

This drug may interact with propranolol and other beta-blockers, ketoconazole, citalopram, amiodarone, and other medications.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your medications and health problems so they can check for any interactions.

Possible Side Effects

Possible side effects include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, upset stomach, and cough.

Tell your doctor or seek medical attention if you have a racing heartbeat, significant headache, severe dizziness, tremors or trouble breathing.

Proper Storage

  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from heat, light, and water.
  • Do not store in the bathroom.
  • Store in unopened foil pouch until ready for use.
  • Discard Diskus 6 weeks after opening the foil pouch or after dose counter reads “0”, whichever comes first.