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Salmeterol |
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What is Salmeterol and why is it prescribed? Salmeterol relaxes the muscles in the walls of the bronchial tubes, allowing the passageways to expand and carry more air. Taken regularly (twice a day), the drug is used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is recommended only for the type of asthma patient who needs shorter-acting bronchodilators on a frequent, regular basis. Salmeterol is available in an aerosol inhaler and as Salmeterol Diskus inhalation powder. Both forms of Salmeterol can be used with or without inhaled or oral steroid therapy. Do not use it to treat acute asthma attacks, and do not attempt to relieve worsening asthma by increasing the frequency of your doses. Seriously worsening asthma is a dangerous-even life-threatening-condition that needs immediate medical attention. Alert your doctor if your short-acting bronchodilator is becoming less effective or you need more inhalations than usual. How should you take Salmeterol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Salmeterol. Space your two daily doses approximately 12 hours apart, in the morning and evening. To be effective, Salmeterol must be used regularly every day. Salmeterol aerosol inhaler must be shaken thoroughly before each use. Test-spray the inhaler 4 times before the first use and whenever 4 weeks have passed since the last use. Avoid spraying in the eyes. Salmeterol Diskus should never be used with a spacer. Always activate the Diskus device in a level, horizontal position. Never exhale into the Diskus device, and always keep it dry. Do not wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the device. Never attempt to take the Diskus apart. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never double your dose. Store the Salmeterol aerosol inhaler and Salmeterol Diskus at room temperature away from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. Leave the aerosol inhaler canister with the nozzle end down. Keep the Diskus in a dry place. Throw away the Diskus inhalation device after every blister has been used or 6 weeks after the blisters have been removed from their foil pouch. Are there any Salmeterol side effects? Salmeterol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Salmeterol side effects may include asthma, back pain, bronchitis, chest congestion, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nasal inflammation, pallor, respiratory tract infection, sinus headache, sinus infection, sinus problems, sore throat, stomachache, and tremor. Less common Salmeterol side effects may include abdominal pain, anxiety, arm pain, bone pain, chest discomfort, constipation, dental pain, difficulty breathing, dry mouth, earache, eczema, eye problems, fatigue, feeling of illness, fever, heartburn, hives, indigestion, insomnia, irritation of the mouth and throat, joint pain, laryngitis, leg cramps, migraines, mouth infection, mouth problems, muscle aches or cramps, muscle stiffness or inflammation, nasal congestion, nausea, neck pain, nervousness, nosebleed, painful menstruation, pneumonia, rapid or irregular heartbeat, rash, shortness of breath, shoulder pain, skin tingling, sneezing, stomach pain, swelling, urinary tract infection, vomiting, and wheezing. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Salmeterol? If Salmeterol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Salmeterol with Airway-opening medications (such as Alupent, Proventil, and Ventolin), Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers (including Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin), MAO inhibitors (such as the antidepressants Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate), Tricyclic antidepressants (such as Elavil and Tofranil), Water pills (such as furosemide/Lasix and hydrochlorothiazide/HydroDIURIL). Are there any special warnings about Salmeterol? Salmeterol is not for the treatment of seriously worsening asthma, and should not be started if your asthma is deteriorating. If you are taking inhaled or oral steroid medications for your asthma, continue using them along with Salmeterol. If you develop an allergic reaction after using Salmeterol, call your doctor immediately. Likewise, if symptoms of asthma or chronic lung disease get worse after inhaling Salmeterol, stop using it, take a short-acting bronchodilator, and check with your doctor at once. Although such effects are rare, Salmeterol can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Use this medication carefully if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or an irregular heartbeat. Caution is also advised if you have a seizure disorder or an overactive thyroid. Salmeterol aerosol inhaler can be given to children 12 years of age and older. The Diskus inhalation powder can be given to children 4 and older. |
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