Drug name
Serevent (Salmeterol)
Drug Uses
Serevent halps to treat asthma. It prevents problems with breathing (eg., nighttime asthma, problems affected by exercise). Serevent may help in long-term healing of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Serevent may also be used for purposes other than those listed in its medication guide.
How Taken
Take the medication as determined by your doctor. Read the medicine label for precise dosing instructions carefully.
Device should be activated and used in a horizontal position. First of all, you are to open the foil pouch. The next step is removing the inhaler. Holding it in one hand, push the thumb-grip by thumb of another hand.
Slide the lever away until you hear a click. Now the inhaler can be used.
After you finish using a dose, close the inhaler device. After sliding the thumb-grip back towards you there will be a click heard. The lever will take its usual position.
Contact your health care provider in case you have some questions about using Serevent.
If you are exercising and have breathing difficulties affected by exercise, take the dose oof Serevent not less than half an hour your exercises. You should not another dosge for twelve hours (at least). In case you already take this medicine two times a day, you are forbidden to use additional dosge before your exercises.
Do not wash any part of the inhaler. It should be dry and kept in a dry place.
Proceed to take Serevent even in case you feel better in a few days. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Contact your health care provider in case you have some questions about using this medication.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Serevent widens the lungs airways and you are able to breathe more easily.
Missed Dose
On condition that you miss a dosage of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up. Then go back to your usual schedule.
Storage
Keep Serevent at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep in a hermetic and light-resistant container. Store it away from light, heat and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Save this remedy beyond the reach of children and pets.
Warnings Precautions
You must not use this medicine if:
you have allergies to its ingredients;
you are experiencing an asthma attack.
Contact your health care provider/doctor immediately in case some of these apply to you.
Sometimes certain medical conditions interact with Serevent. Tell your pharmacist or doctor in case you have the following medical conditions:
if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
if you are breast-feeding;
if you are allergic to sympathomimetic medicines;
if you are currently using some MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), tricyclic antidepressant (even within the last two weeks);
if you are currently using some herbal preparation, certain dietary supplement
or prescription/nonprescription medicine;
if you are allergic to some substances (medicines, foods etc.);
if you are akkergic to milk protein
if you have or have had heart or liver problems, high blood pressure, pheochromocytoma, overactive thyroid diabeteslow levels of potassium in your blood, convulsions.
There are some medications interacting with Serevent. Inform your health care provider in case you are currently taking any other medicines, especially the following ones:
Taking azole antifungal, nefazodone, telithromycin HIV protease inhibitor or macrolide antibioticsimultaneously with Serevent may result in irregular heartbeat.
Beta-inhibitors are able to lower effectiveness of Serevent.
Diuretics provoke danger of low levels of potassium and/or irregular heartbeat. MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), COMT blockers, beta-agonists, tricyclic antidepressants highten the danger of Serevent negative side effects.
Possible Side Effects
Contact your doctor if any of these side effects take place:
stuffy nose; irritation of throat; tremor; persistent headache; nasal congestion; sinus congestion; nervousness.
In case you feel some other effects, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
Ask for medical attention immediately in case any of these serious side effects take place:
serious allergic reactions (chest tightness; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; rash; hives; difficulty breathing); fever; asthma symptoms (worsen or new); headache; dizziness; pain in chest; irregular heartbeat; muscle cramps;pain in muscles.
More Information
Serevent should be taken only by those patients for whom it is prescribed. You should not give it to others. If your symptoms become worse and do not improve, contact your doctor. Contact your health care provider in case you have some questions about using this medication.