Salmeterol inhalation aerosol
What does salmeterol inhalation aerosol do?
SALMETEROL (Serevent(R)) is a slow-acting bronchodilator, a medicine that opens up air passages and makes breathing easier. Salmeterol is for regular use to help prevent asthma attacks and is not for use in an acute asthma attack. It can also be used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, at least 30 to 60 minutes before exercise is started. You must have a quick-acting bronchodilator (such as albuterol) readily available for use in an asthma attack.
What should my health care professional know before I use salmeterol?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
• diabetes
• heart disease, or irregular heartbeat
• high blood pressure
• over active thyroid
• pheochromocytoma
• seizures (convulsions)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to salmeterol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Salmeterol aerosol is for regular inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake the canister well. Tilt your head back slightly. Breathe out fully, emptying as much air as possible from your lungs. Keep the inhaler about 1 inch from your open mouth (or place the mouthpiece loosely between your open lips and over your tongue), keeping the canister upright. Press down on the inhaler (one puff) while breathing in deeply and slowly. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds and then exhale (breathe out). Wait for at least 1 to 2 minutes between puffs. Do not use more than two puffs at a time, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you otherwise. Use your inhaler at regular intervals, unless you are using it to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. Do not use more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with salmeterol?
• arsenic trioxide
• astemizole
• bepridil
• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin)
• cisapride
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for high blood pressure
• some medicines for treating depression or mental illness (amoxapine, maprotiline, pimozide, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants)
• medicines to control heart rhythm (examples: amiodarone, digoxin, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)
• probucol
• terfenadine
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using salmeterol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• dizziness, giddiness
• fast heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain
• skin rash, hives
• swelling of the face
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• cough
• diarrhea
• headache
• muscle cramps and pains
• nausea, vomiting
• nervousness
• sore throat
• stomach ache
• stuffy nose
• tiredness