- SEREVENT (salmeterol)
Description
Treats asthma, bronchospasm, emphysema, and other lung problems. Belongs to a class of
drugs called bronchodilators. ®
Brand Name(s)
Serevent®
When you should not use this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to salmeterol or to
other bronchodilators like salmeterol (such as Proventil®, Ventolin®, or Alupent®).
How to use and store this medicine
Inhalation Aerosol (spray):
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how
often.
- This medicine is used with a device called an actuator
(AK-choo-ate-or). Use the actuator only with salmeterol and not with any other medicine.
- Shake the inhaler well just before each use.
- Take off the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it
is clean.
- Test spray in the air before using for the first time or if
the inhaler has not been used in a while.
- Breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the
lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece just in front of your mouth with the canister
upright.
- Open your mouth and breathe in slowly and deeply (like
yawning), and at the same time firmly press down on the top of the canister once.
- Hold your breath for about 5 to 10 seconds, then breathe out
slowly.
- If you are supposed to take more than one puff, wait 1 to 2
minutes between treatments. Repeat these steps for the next treatment, starting with
shaking the inhaler.
- The mouthpiece should be washed with warm water. Store the
canister at room temperature with the nozzle end down. Do not store near heat or fire. Do
not poke holes in the canister or throw the used container into a fire.
- Store all medicine out of the reach of children.
If you miss a dose:
- Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
- Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next
regular dose.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to use this medicine
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal products .
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking heart or blood
pressure medicine, or medicine for depression, especially depression medicine called
monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (such as Nardil® or Parnate®).
Warnings
- Talk with your doctor before using if you have heart
problems, high blood pressure, history of stroke or seizure, diabetes, Parkinson's
disease, thyroid disease, prostate disease, or glaucoma.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor
before using this medicine.
- Salmeterol is for routine therapy, and SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR AN ACUTE ASTHMA ATTACK.
- Your doctor may prescribe an asthma medicine for you to use
between doses of salmeterol that provides faster relief of asthma symptoms. This is called
a short-acting asthma medicine. If the short-acting medicine does not provide relief or if
you use it more than 4 times a day, tell your doctor right away. Tell your doctor if you
use more than one canister in 8 weeks.
- If salmeterol does not help your breathing or if your
condition gets worse while you are using it, call your doctor right away.
Side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
- Your skin has a blue color
- Loss of feeling (numbness) in your hands or feet
- Chest pain
- Fast pounding heartbeat
- Swelling of your eyelids or face
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
If you have problems with these less serious side effects,
talk with your doctor:
- Restlessness, nervousness or shakiness
- Headache, nausea or vomiting
- Sweating, cough, or dry mouth
- Mild dizziness or drowsiness
- Trouble sleeping
