Salmeterol inhalation aerosol
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What is salmeterol inhalation aerosol?
SALMETEROL (Serevent®) 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 or to treat the symptoms of chronic lung disease like emphysema or chronic bronchitis. It 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. A generic salmeterol inhalation aerosol is not available. NOTE: This inhalation aerosol has been discontinued in the US.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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.
A special Medication Guide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
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 drug(s) may interact with salmeterol?
• arsenic trioxide
• astemizole
• bepridil
• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• caffeine
• certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin)
• chloroquine
• cisapride
• droperidol
• halofantrine
• levomethadyl
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for heart disease or high blood pressure
• medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®)
• medicines to control heart rhythm (examples: amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)
• medicines for treating depression or mental illness (amoxapine, haloperidol, maprotiline, pimozide, phenothiazines, risperidone, sertindole, tricyclic antidepressants, ziprasidone)
• methadone
• pentamidine
• probucol
• some medicines for weight loss (including some herbal products, ephedra, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine)
• steroid hormones such as dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone
• terfenadine
• theophylline
• thyroid hormones
• water pills or diuretics
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 should I watch for while taking salmeterol?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. Seek emergency medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly while taking this medicine, or if your rescue inhaler (like albuterol) does not help your breathing. Make sure you are using your inhaler properly. Do not use extra or more frequent inhalations; they will not improve your condition. NEVER use salmeterol for an asthma attack, because it will take about 30 minutes to work.
Keep a record of the number of inhalations you use so that you will know when the canister is nearly empty. Do not float the salmeterol canister in water to test its fullness.
To stop your mouth getting dry after inhaling salmeterol, rinse out your mouth with water.
Do not get the aerosol spray in your eyes.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without checking with your pharmacist or prescriber or health care professional. Non-prescription medicines may contain ingredients that will increase the effects of your medicine.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using salmeterol.
About once a week, remove the metal canister and clean the inhaler with soap and water, rinsing well with warm running water. Allow to dry completely before replacing the metal canister.
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
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
