How does it work?

Salmeterol belongs to a group of medicines called long-acting beta 2 agonists. It works by acting on receptors in the lungs, called beta 2 receptors. Stimulation of these receptors causes the muscles in the airways to relax, and this allows the airways to open. In conditions where there is narrowing of the airways, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, it is difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By opening the airways, salmeterol makes it easier to breathe. Salmeterol opens the airways for longer than short-acting beta 2 agonists such as salbutamol or terbutaline, so it is used to prevent shortness of breath rather than to treat it. Salmeterol is used as an additional regular therapy to keep the airways open, in people whose asthma or airways disease is not controlled with short-acting bronchodilators (eg salbutamol) and regular inhaled anti-inflammatories, such as corticosteroids or sodium cromoglicate. It is useful for preventing shortness of breath caused by exercise, and asthma that is worse at night. Salmeterol is taken using an inhaler device. Inhaling the medicine allows it to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most. It also reduces the potential for side effects in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed into the blood through the lungs is lower than if it is taken by mouth.

What is it used for?

Asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Preventing asthma that occurs at night

Preventing shortness of breath caused by exercise

Warning!

Inhalers may cause an unexpected increase in wheezing (paradoxical bronchospasm) straight after using them. If this happens, stop using the inhaler immediately and consult your doctor. The medicine should be stopped and an alternative treatment found.

This inhaler should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. Keep your short-acting bronchodilator, eg salbutamol or terbutaline, with you at all times in case you need to relieve shortness of breath.

Your symptoms are likely to improve once you have started this medicine, however you should not reduce your dose of anti-inflammatory medicine (eg corticosteroids or sodium cromoglicate), as this will make your symptoms worsen again.

Blood potassium levels should be monitored in people with severe asthma, as low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia) and various asthma medicines, including this one, can lower blood potassium.

This medicine is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.

Consult your doctor if your bronchodilators become less effective than normal, or you need to use your reliever (eg salbutamol or terbutaline) more frequently than usual.

Use with caution in

Heart disease

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Thyrotoxicosis

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia)

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Nausea

Muscle cramps

Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)

Unexpected narrowing of the airways (paradoxical bronchospasm)

Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)

Dizziness

Nervousness

Severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema)

Chest pain

Irritation of the back of the mouth and throat

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Headache

Awareness of your heart beat (heart palpitations)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved