Salmeterol
Description
Salmeterol is a medicine that is used in the treatment of asthma (overproduction production of mucus) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (blockage of airways in the lungs). It helps to relieve symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, coughing, etc. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine alone or in combination with other medicines based on the severity of your condition. Salmeterol relaxes the airway muscles and open the airways, thus improves the airflow and makes it easier to breathe.
Salmeterol may cause side effects like headache, dryness of mouth, restlessness, muscle cramps, weakness, difficulty in sleeping, etc. Contact your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen. Do not take this medicine if you are previously allergic to it. Salmeterol is not recommended for use in children below 4 years of age.
Salmeterol is available as a rotacap, inhaler, transhaler and transcap. Use this medicine as advised by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose of the medicine and how often you have to use it. Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Always remember to rinse your mouth with water after each use. Your doctor may advise you to carry the inhaler every time to avoid sudden breathing problems.
Salmeterol may not be suitable for all people. Inform your doctor if you are diabetic or having liver or heart problems. The rotacap and transcap are for inhalation purposes. Hence, do not swallow it. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother before using Salmeterol.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Salmeterol
- Difficulty in breathing
- Runny Nose
- Shortness of breath
- Sneezing
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Dryness of mouth
Uses of Salmeterol
What is it prescribed for?
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionSalmeterol can show its effect within 20 to 40 minutes after using it.
- Duration of effectThe effect of Salmeterol lasts for a duration of 9-12 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Salmeterol.
- Usage in pregnancy?Salmeterol is not recommended if you are pregnant as it can cause serious foetal side effects. Consult your doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Salmeterol is generally safe for use in breastfeeding as very less or no amount of the medicine passes into breast milk. However, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Allergy
Avoid using Salmeterol if you are allergic to it. If you notice any symptoms such as a skin rash, itching/swelling (especially in the face, lips, tongue), dizziness, etc., seek immediate medical attention.
Status asthmaticus
Salmeterol is not recommended for use if you have status asthmaticus (a severe, acute asthma attack) as first-line therapy because Salmeterol is not effective in treating this condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Salmeterol is not recommended if you are pregnant as it can cause serious foetal side effects. Consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Salmeterol is generally safe for use in breastfeeding as very less or no amount of the medicine passes into breast milk. However, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
General warnings
Hypokalemia
The use of Salmeterol is associated with a decrease in blood potassium levels (hypokalemia). Hence, maintain caution if you have any history of hypokalemia. Your doctor may advise a blood test to check for the potassium levels in your blood while using this inhaler.
Thyrotoxicosis or hyperthyroidism
Salmeterol should be used with caution if you have any history of thyrotoxicosis or hyperthyroidism (high thyroid levels), as it can worsen your health condition. Frequent clinical monitoring may be advised by your doctor to check your thyroid levels.
Use in children
Salmeterol is not recommended for use in children below 4 years of age as the safety and efficacy data is unavailable.
First-line therapy
Salmeterol is not recommended for use as a first-line treatment in acute asthma attacks due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects. It should always be used as concomitant therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid as the primary form of treatment considering the severity of the condition.
Missed Dose
Use the missed dose of Salmeterol as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Never use more than the prescribed dose. Reach out to the nearest emergency medical department or contact your doctor in case of an overdose of Salmeterol.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Atazanavir
Voriconazole
Itraconazole
Carvedilol
Clarithromycin
Disease interactions
Cardiovascular disorders
Salmeterol should be used with caution if you have heart disease as this medicine can alter heart rate. Your doctor may adjust the dose according to your condition and/or closely monitor your heart function.
Liver disease
Salmeterol may cause liver damage. If you have liver problems, inform your doctor before using this medicine. Your doctor may monitor your liver functioning during the treatment with this medicine.
Diabetes
Salmeterol should be used with caution if you are diabetic as this medicine can alter your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may adjust the dose and/or closely monitor your sugar levels based on your clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Salmeterol is used to relieve symptoms associated with asthma and COPD. Use this medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert while using. Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop using it without consulting your doctor.
Wash your mouth after each use. Salmeterol may cause dry mouth, hence take plenty of fluids and maintain oral hygiene during the treatment course.
Maintain caution if you have liver or heart problems while using it. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy before using this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Salmeterol works by relaxing your airway muscles and opening the blocked air passages of the lungs. This improves the airflow into your lungs and makes breathing easier.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Adrenergic bronchodilators
Schedule
Schedule H
Drugs, H., 2021. Salmeterol Oral Inhalation: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 3 September 2021].
Www2.medicines.org.uk. 2021. Serevent Accuhaler - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 3 September 2021].
Www2.medicines.org.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 3 September 2021].
2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 3 September 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 3 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 13 Sep 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.