Salmeterol
(Serevent, United States and Canada)

More drugs used for Asthma.

Use:

Salmeterol or Serevent is use to open bronchial passages making breathing easier in such conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

How It Works:

Salmeterol or Serevent works like salbutamol or albuterol in that it stimulates receptor sites in the lung's bronchial tubes known as beta-2 sites. This stimulation relaxes the bronchial passages and makes breathing easier.
In contrast with salbutamol, Salmeterol or Serevent provides up to 12 hours of protection against bronchospasm which closes up the airways.

Side Effects:

The most common side effects of Salmeterol or Serevent are nervousness and tremor. These effects may diminish with time. Overuse of Salmeterol or Serevent can cause heart beat irregularities.

Cautions for People:

People should not overuse Salmeterol or Serevent because of potentially fatal heart complications. If someone is using a greater than prescribed dose, or if they are finding no relief with Salmeterol or Serevent, their condition should be investigated further.
People with heart conditions should use Salmeterol or Serevent with caution.
Proper technique is required with all inhalers. Storing the inhaler upright and out of sun or cold may prolong an inhaler's life.

Drug Interactions:

Salmeterol or Serevent is designed to be used on a routine basis along with an inhaled corticosteroid to prevent breathing problems. The shorter acting salbutamol can be used on a "when needed" basis, however caution must be exercised to not overuse inhalers.

Further Reading:

Med Letter 1994;36:37
Ann Allergy 1993;70:316
B J Clin Pharmacology 1994;37:199

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.

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