Salmeterol is a drug used to prevent and relieve symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, and cough due to severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
Salmeterol belongs to the long acting beta agonist (LABA) bronchodilator group. This medicine works by widening the airways in the lungs, so that the airflow can flow more smoothly and the sufferer can breathe more easily.
Salmeterol can only be used to control and relieve complaints and symptoms, but cannot cure asthma and COPD . In the treatment of asthma, this drug can only be used as an adjunct if high-dose inhaled steroids cannot control complaints.
Salmeterol trademarks : Flutias 50, Flutias 125, Flusal 250, Respitide, Salmeflo, Seretide 50, Seretide Diskus, Seretide Diskus 100.
What Is Salmeterol ?
| Group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Long acting beta agonist bronchodilator (LABA) |
| Benefits | Prevents and relieves the symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing due to asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| Used by | Adults and children over 4 years old |
| Salmeterol for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Studies on experimental animals show side effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies on pregnant women.
Medicines can only be used if the magnitude of the expected benefit exceeds the magnitude of the risk to the fetus. It is not yet known whether salmeterol can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without first consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Solutions, powders, and aerosols |
Precautions Before Using Salmeterol
Salmeterol should not be used indiscriminately. Here are some things you should pay attention to before using this medicine:
- Do not use salmeterol if you are allergic to this medicine. Always tell your doctor about your history of allergies, especially milk protein allergies.
- Do not use salmeterol in conditions of an acute asthma attack, acute exacerbation of COPD, or status asthmaticus.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently suffering from heart disease, angina , heart rhythm disorders, hypertension, seizures , diabetes, hyperthyroidism , liver disease, or hypokalemia .
- Tell your doctor if you are using other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- See a doctor immediately if an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose occurs after using salmeterol.
Dosage and Administration of Salmeterol
Here is the dose of salmeterol based on its purpose of use:
Prevent and control chronic asthma symptoms
- Adults: 50–100 mcg, 2 times a day.
- Children aged 4–12 years: 50 mcg, 2 times a day.
Manage the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Adults: 50 mcg, 2 times a day.
Preventing exercise-induced asthma
- Adults and children over 4 years of age: 50 mcg, 30 minutes before exercising.
How to Use Salmeterol Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the medicine package before using salmeterol. Do not increase or decrease the dose without first consulting a doctor.
To use salmeterol aerosol, first unlock the inhaler packaging. Exhale and place the mouthpiece of the inhaler in the mouth. Close your lips tightly, then take a deep breath. Do not bite the mouthpiece of the inhaler or breathe into the inhaler.
After inhaling air from the inhaler, hold your breath for 10 seconds and repeat the previous step if advised by the doctor. Don't forget to close the inhaler with the safety lock, then rinse your mouth with clean water.
If you use salmeterol inhalation solution with a nebulizer, follow the instructions given by your doctor and make sure you understand how to use the nebulizer and how to clean it properly to prevent infection.
Use salmeterol at the same time every day. If you forget to use it, immediately use this medicine when the next scheduled use is not too close. If it is close, ignore the dose and do not double the next dose.
Do not stop using salmeterol without first consulting your doctor because it is feared that your condition may worsen.
Store salmeterol at room temperature, in a closed container, and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
Interactions of Salmeterol with Other Drugs
There are several interaction effects that may occur if salmeterol is used with certain drugs, including:
- Increased risk of salmeterol side effects if used with ritonavir or azole antifungals, such as ketoconazole
- Decreased effectiveness of salmeterol if used with beta blockers
- Increased risk of hypokalemia if used with diuretic drugs
- Increased risk of dangerous side effects if used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors ( MAOI ) and tricyclic antidepressants
- Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances if used with amiodarone , procainamide, quinidine , or erythromycin
If you use one or more of the drugs above, your doctor may change your medication, change the dose, or monitor your condition more closely.
Side Effects and Dangers of Salmeterol
Side effects that may arise after using salmeterol are:
- Headache
- Husky voice
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling nervous
- Stomachache
- Coughing up phlegm
- Ear pain
- Cold or stuffy nose
- Joint or muscle pain
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
Check with your doctor if the above side effects are very disturbing or do not subside. Go to the doctor immediately if there is a drug allergic reaction that can be marked by symptoms, such as an itchy and swollen rash, swollen eyes and lips, or difficulty breathing.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects or overdose, such as:
- Severe headache or dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Tremors
- Symptoms of hyperglycemia marked by thirst, frequent urination, or dry mouth
- Symptoms of hypokalemia are marked by leg cramps, constipation, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or weakness
- Convulsions
- Pass out