salmeterol

Edited by: Joe Hing Kwok Chu

Introduced: 1994

Brand Names: Serevent, Aeromax

Uses: included in FDA approved labeling:

(1) Treatment and prevention of bronchospasm in asthma;

(2) prevention of nocturnal asthma;

(3) prevention of exercise induced bronchospasm.

Other unlabeled uses include treating of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How it works: It acts as a broncho-dilator, and helps to move mucus and block release of histamines from mast cells that worsen asthma.

This Drug Should not Be Taken if there  is:

(1) a previous allergic reaction, or

(2) irregular heart rhythm

(3) taking  during the past 2 weeks of any MAO type A inhibitors

(4) sudden worsening of asthma symptoms.

Precautions:  

(1) When used with beclomethasone aerosol (Beclovent, Vanceril) may increase the risk of fluorocarbon prpellant toxicity. Use salmeterol aerosol 20 to 30 minutes before beclomethasone aerosol to reduce txicty and enhance penetration of beclomethasone into the lungs.

(2) Serius heart rhytthm problems or cardiac arrest can result from excessive  and prolonged use.

(3) Should NOT be used for treatment of acute symptoms or exacerbations of asthma according to the guideline of NIH.

Effect of Overdose: tachycardia and or arrhythmia, muscle cramps, cardiac arrest, and death.

This drug may cause nervousness of dizziness. Restrict driving or other hazardous activities. Use of this drug is a disqualification for piloting. 

See Prescribed Drug Dictionary

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