Salmate

Indications

Salmeterol is a long-acting inhaled medicine that keeps the airways open. It is used for the regular, long-term control of asthma (always together with an inhaled corticosteroid such as Fluticasone) and for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also help prevent asthma brought on by exercise. It does not relieve a sudden asthma attack.

How It Works

It relaxes the muscles around the airways in the lungs, making breathing easier. Its effect lasts about 12 hours.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults and children aged 12 and over: usually 50 mcg (two puffs of a 25 mcg inhaler, or one dose of a 50 mcg dry powder inhaler) twice a day, about 12 hours apart.
• Some adults with asthma may need 100 mcg twice a day if the doctor advises it.
• Children aged 4 to 11: only as prescribed.

Use it every day, even when you feel well. Always carry a quick-relief inhaler (such as Salbutamol) for sudden symptoms. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you the correct inhaler technique.

Interactions

Beta-blocker medicines (such as Propranolol, including eye drops like Timolol) can block its effect and may worsen asthma. Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin and Ritonavir can raise its level and increase side effects on the heart. Using it with Theophylline, steroid tablets or water tablets (diuretics) can lower blood potassium. Take care with other medicines that affect heart rhythm.

Contraindications

• Allergy to salmeterol or any ingredient of the product. Some dry powder inhalers contain lactose, which has traces of milk protein.
• Asthma treated with salmeterol alone, without an inhaled corticosteroid.

Side Effects

Common: shaking (tremor), headache, a pounding or fast heartbeat, muscle cramps and throat irritation.

Get urgent medical help if: breathing suddenly gets worse or you start wheezing right after using the inhaler; your asthma is getting worse or you need your reliever inhaler more often than usual; you have chest pain or a fast or irregular heartbeat; or you have swelling of the face, lips or throat, a severe rash or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Keeping asthma well controlled is important in pregnancy. Use it only if the doctor advises. Little is known about passage into breast milk; ask the doctor before breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not stop your corticosteroid inhaler when you start salmeterol. Do not use more than prescribed. Tell the doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, diabetes or low blood potassium. See the doctor if your usual dose no longer controls your symptoms.

Overdose

Too much can cause shaking, headache, a fast heartbeat, muscle cramps, low blood potassium and high blood sugar. Seek medical help, especially if there is chest pain or an irregular heartbeat.

Therapeutic Class

Bronchodilator, long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children. Protect from frost and direct sunlight. Do not puncture or burn the inhaler can, even when empty.