salmeterol (inhalation) Health Article

Generic name(s):

salmeterol (inhalation)

Brand name(s):

salmeterol, Serevent Diskus

What is the most important information I should know about salmeterol inhalation?

Do not use salmeterol inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack. Salmeterol inhalation is has been shown to increase the risk of asthma-related death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine and follow all patient instructions for safe use of the medication. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks and benefits in using salmeterol inhalation.

Asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Do not use a second form of salmeterol (such as Serevent) or use a similar inhaled bronchodilator such as formoterol (Foradil) unless your doctor has told you to.

Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

It is important to use salmeterol inhalation regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

If you use this medication to treat COPD, do not use the medicine for longer than 6 months unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not stop using salmeterol inhalation without first talking to your doctor. Your asthma symptoms may get worse after you stop using the medication.

What is salmeterol inhalation?

Salmeterol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Salmeterol inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun. Salmeterol inhalation is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Salmeterol inhalation may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using salmeterol inhalation?

Salmeterol is a drug that has been shown to increase the risk of asthma-related death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine and follow all patient instructions for safe use of the medication. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks and benefits in using salmeterol inhalation.

Before using salmeterol inhalation, tell your doctor if you have:

• a food or drug allergy;

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• diabetes;

• a thyroid disorder; or

• liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use salmeterol inhalation, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use salmeterol inhalation without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old.