It has a generic name Salmeterol, which is a bronchodilator drug used to prevent asthma attacks. This inhaler functions by relaxing muscles in the air passages for improved breathing. However, this inhaler does not cure asthma attack if it has already started. This medication is also used to heal chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Important Information about Salmeterol

Salmeterol will not prevent an asthma attack that has already started. Moreover, it may increase the chance of asthma related death. Hence, use the prescribed amount of this medication as directed by your doctor and don’t take it for longer than prescribed time period. Talk to your doctor about your own risks and advantages of taking Salmeterol. Follow all the patient directions to ensure safety. It is usually treated with a blend of other medications. If you are taking Salmeterol, use it in combination with other asthma drugs exactly as your doctor prescribed. Avoid using different forms of salmeterol at the same time. Seek medical care if you think this medicine is not working as usual. An excessive need of medication may lead to future related asthma attack. It may sometimes cause difficulties in breathing right after you inhale it. If something like this occurs, use your short-acting bronchodilator and contact your doctor right away. Salmeterol may increase blood glucose levels so monitor your blood sugar closely. Don’t intake Salmeterol without your doctor’s advice in case you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding.  It is not prescribed for children below than 4 years.

Before taking Salmeterol

You should avoid the drug intake if you are allergic to it. You may be required to undergo some special medical tests to ensure safe usage. In order to ensure whether this medicine is safe for you, let your doctor know if you have any of these following conditions: liver disease; diabetes; thyroid problems; food or drug allergy; heart disease; high blood pressure; or seizure disorder.

Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breast feeding your baby before using salmeterol, as it may be harmful for your baby.

Dosage information

You must use this drug exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advices you to do so. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advices you to do so. Refer the medicine instructions listed on the medication label to get complete details. To prevent from yeast infection, always rinse your mouth with water after using the spray.  In order to deter asthma attack caused by exercises, take salmeterol medicine 30 minutes before starting you exercise schedule or as per your doctor’s advice. Allow a gap of at least 12 hours between the respective doses.

Some Salmeterol medication come in a powder form and available with a special inhaler device already loaded with blister packs of measured salmeterol drug. The inhaler opens and dispenses a blister every time you use the inhaler. The inhaler should not be used with spacer. Get your refill before the current medication runs out. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting with your doctor. Keep on taking the drug as long as recommended by the doctor to ensure maximum benefits.

What if you miss a dose

If you miss a dose of Salmeterol, take it as soon as you remember and then wait for 12 hours before taking the next dose. Don’t double up the dose in order to compensate the missed one.  

What if you overdose

In case of an overdose, seek medical attention immediately or contact your doctor.

Things to avoid

You should not use different forms of salmeterol or another bronchodilator like formoterol or arformoterol at the same time unless you doctor advices you to do so.

Side Effects- Contact your doctor immediately and seek medical care if you witness these serious allergic reactions: breathing difficulty, swelling on face, lips, tongue, or throat; or skin hives. Other serious side effects are skin rash, extreme bruising, choking, wheezing, worsening asthma symptoms, tremors, or restless feeling. While, some less serious side effects are headache, insomnia, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, or throat irritation.

Interaction with other drugs

Let your doctor know if you use any of the following medicines: iuretics, some antibiotics like clarithromycin or telithromycin; a beta blocker like nadolol, carvedilol, labetalol, or atenolol; anti retroviral drugs like nelfinavir, atazanvir, indinavir, or ritonavir; an MAO inhibitor drug like isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, phenelzine, or selegiline; caffeine; diet medicine, a decongestant; aminophylline, or theophylline. Always consult your doctor about starting a new medication. 

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