Salmeterol

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to open the airways in diseases like asthma and COPD where spasm may cause breathing problems.
• It should not be used for immediate treatment of breathing problems. This is a long-term treatment.
• Keep the right inhaler handy for immediate breathing problems. If you are not sure which one that is then call healthcare provider.

How does it work?

• Salmeterol works at sites in the airways to relax the muscle and improve oxygen delivery.

How is it best taken?

• For inhaling (puffing) only by an inhaler.
• A spacer can be used with the inhaler for easier delivery. This gets more medicine into the lungs.
• Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Using the inhaler the right way is very important. Shake well before using.
• Do not use a spacer with the inhaled powder.
• Always keep device dry; never wash.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification for lung disease.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake. May cause nervousness and anxiety.
• For exercise-induced asthma, take 30-60 minutes (for inhaler) or 30 minutes (inhaled powder via Diskus®) before exercise. Do not take another dose for 12 hours.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Cough.
• Nervousness, shakiness.
• Dry mouth, throat irritation. Rinse out mouth with water after each use.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for changes in breathing. Is breathing better, worse, or the same?
• If you are using this medicine for asthma, monitor with peak flow meter.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Unable to get breathing attack under control.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature with nozzle end down. Protect from freezing and direct sunlight.
• Metered-dose inhalers should be at room temperature for best effects.
• Store inhalation powder in a dry place, at room temperature. Protect from direct heat and sunlight. Throw away after every dose has been used, or 6 weeks after opening.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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