Generic
Salmeterol
5 brands available in the market
At a glance
Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator used for the prevention and maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD. It relaxes airway muscles by stimulating β2-adrenergic receptors, making breathing easier.
Description
Salmeterol is a selective long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist. It binds to β2-receptors, relaxing bronchial smooth muscles, which dilates airways and improves airflow. It has little effect on heart rate and provides 12-hour duration of action.
Indications
- Asthma prevention and maintenance
- COPD maintenance
- Prevention of exercise-induced asthma
Therapeutic class
Long-acting β2-Agonist
Pharmacological class
Bronchodilator
Pharmacology
Salmeterol stimulates β2-adrenergic receptors, relaxing bronchial smooth muscles. It has a 12-hour duration of action with little effect on heart rate. It dilates airways and improves airflow, helping to control asthma and COPD symptoms.
Mechanism of action
Relaxes airway muscles by stimulating β2-adrenergic receptors and improves airflow.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Inhalation):
- Asthma prevention and maintenance: 2 puffs (50 mcg) twice daily; up to 100 mcg twice daily if needed
- Prevention of exercise-induced asthma: 2 puffs (50 mcg) at least 30 minutes prior to exercise
Pediatric Dose (>4 years):
- Asthma prevention and maintenance: 2 puffs (50 mcg) twice daily; up to 100 mcg twice daily if needed
- Prevention of exercise-induced asthma: 2 puffs (50 mcg) at least 30 minutes prior to exercise
Administration
- Inhalation only; do not swallow capsules
- Take the first dose under medical supervision
- Take at the same time each day
- Gargle with warm water after each inhalation
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Tremor (shaking hands)
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Palpitations
- Muscle cramps
Precautions & warnings
- Do not use for acute asthma or COPD attacks
- Always carry a fast-acting reliever inhaler
- Bronchospasm may occur with first use; take under medical supervision
- Caution in diabetes, heart disease, hypertension
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to salmeterol or any excipient
- Monotherapy in asthma
- Status asthmaticus or acute asthma/COPD episodes
Drug interactions
- Diuretics, corticosteroids, xanthines: May augment hypokalemia
- MAOIs, TCAs, and other sympathomimetics: Risk of severe hypertension
- Digoxin and other cardiac glycosides: Increased susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmias
Food interactions
It is not known whether alcohol is safe with Salmeterol; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; use only if clearly needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Safe during breastfeeding; human studies show insignificant passage into breastmilk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Indicated for children >4 years
Geriatric use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness observed in elderly vs. younger patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: No dose adjustment data available; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause seizures, angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia; cardioselective β-blocker may be used.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, protected from light; do not puncture or incinerate canister; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Salmeterol