Asthma is a breathing problem involving narrowing of the airways. Airways allow air to move in and out of the lungs. In patients with asthma, airways can be narrowed by mucus accumulation, muscle spasm, or swelling of the airway lining. This narrowing leads to symptoms of shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and congestion. Medications used to open airways in asthma are called bronchodilators. Salmeterol is a bronchodilator of the beta-2 agonist type. Beta-2 agonists stimulate beta-2 receptors on airway muscle cells causing relaxation and opening of the airways.
Certain allergens, such as pollen, can cause airway narrowing by inducing histamine release from mast cells. Histamine is a chemical that causes tissue swelling and allergic reactions when released into the tissue. Mast cells are immune cells located around the airways. Salmeterol is an inhaled medication that blocks histamine release from mast cells, preventing airway narrowing when exposed to allergens.
Side effects include palpitations, fast heart rate, elevated blood pressure, tremor, nervousness, and headache. Throat and upper airway irritation can also occur. Long-acting bronchodilators like salmeterol may increase the risk of asthma-related death. Therefore, salmeterol should only be used in patients uncontrolled by other agents and who are using other long-term asthma-controlling medications, such as an inhaled corticosteroid.
Salmeterol inhalations should not exceed prescribed frequency (twice per day) and proper inhalation techniques should be followed. Caution is advised in patients with liver dysfunction as salmeterol is metabolized by the liver. Salmeterol is not intended for treating acute asthma attacks; short-acting inhalers are used for acute attacks. When preventing exercised-induced asthma, salmeterol should be administered 30 to 60 minutes before exercise. It does not replace oral or inhaled corticosteroids.
Salmeterol can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and cause chest pain and excitement, especially if used in higher doses or in patients with coronary heart disease or high blood pressure. Tricyclic antidepressants and salmeterol should not be combined due to their additive effects on the vascular system. Rarely, salmeterol can worsen bronchospasm, which may be life-threatening. In such cases, salmeterol should be discontinued immediately and medical attention sought. Rare allergic reactions to salmeterol can cause skin rash, hives, swelling, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis. Worsening of diabetes and lowering of potassium have also been described.
Adequate studies of salmeterol during pregnancy have not been done. In some pregnant animal models, exposure to very high doses of oral salmeterol has led to offspring with birth defects. However, concentrations of salmeterol in the blood after inhalation are much lower. Salmeterol inhalation should be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Salmeterol is excreted in rat milk, so caution should be exercised when administered to nursing women.
Canisters (13g with 120 inhalations and 6.5g with 60 inhalations).
Salmeterol should be stored between 36 F to 86 F (2.2 C to 30 C). The canister should be kept away from heat or flame, not punctured, and should not be frozen or placed in direct sunlight.
Salmeterol (Serevent) is a bronchodilator medication prescribed for the maintenance of asthma and preventing bronchospasm. Before taking any medication, review the side effects, drug interactions, pregnancy information, dosing, and patient information.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system to certain foreign substances. Allergens cause the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to them. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that often occurs with other pulmonary problems and chronic bronchitis. Causes of emphysema include chronic cigarette smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and factors in underdeveloped parts of the world. Symptoms include chronic cough, chest discomfort, breathlessness, and wheezing. Treatments include medication and lifestyle changes.
COPD is a lung condition caused by smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, and air pollutants. It includes chronic bronchitis, chronic cough, and emphysema. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, and chronic cough. Treatment includes guidelines, smoking cessation, medications, and surgery. Life expectancy depends on the stage of the disease.
Neutropenia is a decrease in the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell filled with enzymes that help kill microorganisms. Symptoms include gum pain and swelling, skin abscesses, infections, sore mouth, low-grade fever, pneumonia-like symptoms, and pain around the rectal area. Causes of neutropenia include infections, medications, vitamin deficiencies, bone marrow diseases, radiation therapy, autoimmune destruction, and hypersplenism. Treatment depends on the cause and patient’s health.
Chronic bronchitis is a cough that occurs daily with sputum production for at least 3 months, 2 years in a row. Causes include cigarette smoking, inhaled irritants, and underlying diseases like asthma or congestive heart failure. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Treatments include bronchodilators and steroids. Complications include COPD and emphysema.
Asthma is a condition where airways constrict, resulting in wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Causes include genetics, environmental factors, allergies, and other factors. Diagnosis is based on family history and lung function tests. Treatment includes inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. Prognosis is generally good, and exposure to farm allergens may protect against symptoms.
COPD is a term for serious, progressive lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and sometimes asthma. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD and emphysema.
There are two types of asthma medications: long-term control with anti-inflammatory drugs and quick relief with bronchodilators. They may be inhaled or taken orally. People with certain conditions should not take over-the-counter asthma drugs.
