Salmeterol: how to take it safely
Serevent
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Keeps the airways open for up to 12 hours in asthma and COPD.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Use the device as your health worker showed you.
- In asthma it should be used with a steroid inhaler, not on its own.
When to take it
Use it twice a day, about 12 hours apart.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Using it alone for asthma without a steroid inhaler.
- Using it for sudden attacks. Use your reliever inhaler instead.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart problems or an overactive thyroid.
Possible side effects
Shaking hands, fast heartbeat, headache, cough.
Get help if
Worsening breathlessness, wheezing that is not relieved, chest pain or a very fast heartbeat: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.