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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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A large clinical study found a small increase in deaths from asthma in patients who used salmeterol. Do not use salmeterol if you have asthma that is quickly getting worse. If you have any of the following signs of worsening asthma, call your doctor immediately: short-acting inhaler (e.g., albuterol) does not work as well as it used toneed to use more puffs than usual of short-acting inhaler or use it more oftenpeak-flow meter shows breathing is worseningneed to use four or more puffs per day of short-acting inhaler for two or more days in a row use of more than one canister (200 inhalations) of short-acting inhaler during an 8-week periodneed to go to the emergency room for asthma treatment.Talk to your doctor about the risk of using this medication. |
Salmeterol is used to treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It also is used to prevent bronchospasm (breathing difficulties) during exercise. Salmeterol is in a class of medications called long-acting beta agonists. It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Salmeterol comes as a dry powder to inhale by mouth using a special inhaler. It is usually used twice a day, in the morning and evening, about 12 hours apart. To help you remember to use salmeterol, use it around the same times every day. To prevent breathing difficulties during exercise, it is usually used 30 minutes before exercise, not more often than once every 12 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use salmeterol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not use salmeterol during an attack of asthma or COPD. Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting inhaler to use during attacks. If you are using salmeterol twice a day, do not use another dose before exercising.
Salmeterol controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Do not stop using salmeterol without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop using salmeterol, your symptoms may worsen. Also do not stop taking your other inhaled or oral medications for asthma without talking to your doctor.
Before you use the salmeterol inhaler the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to show you how to use it. Practice using the inhaler while he or she watches.
To use the inhaler, follow these steps:
Never exhale into the inhalation device, take the device apart, or wash the mouthpiece or any part of the device. Keep the device dry. Do not use the device with a spacer.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before using salmeterol,
Inhale the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not inhale a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Salmeterol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away the inhalation device 6 weeks after you remove it from the foil overwrap or after every blister has been used (when the dose indicator reads 0), whichever comes first. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Last Revised - 01/01/2004
The MedMaster Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |