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Brand names: Serevent
Serevent relaxes the muscles in the walls of the bronchial tubes, allowing the passageways to expand and carry more air. Taken regularly (twice a day), the drug is used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. A relatively long-acting medication, it is recommended only for the type of asthma patient who needs shorter-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol on a frequent, regular basis.
Serevent is available in an aerosol inhaler and as Serevent Diskus inhalation powder. Both forms of Serevent can be used with or without inhaled or oral steroid therapy.
Serevent is intended only for long-term prevention of symptoms, and should not be used more than twice a day. Do not use it to treat acute asthma attacks, and do not attempt to relieve worsening asthma by increasing the frequency of your doses. (Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting bronchodilator to relieve acute attacks.)
Seriously worsening asthma is a dangerous-even life-threatening-condition that needs immediate medical attention. Alert your doctor if your short-acting bronchodilator is becoming less effective or you need more inhalations than usual. Also consider it a warning sign if you need 4 or more inhalations daily for 2 days or more in a row, or find that you are finishing a 200-dose canister in less than 8 weeks.
Use no more than the prescribed dose and follow package directions closely. Space your two daily doses approximately 12 hours apart, in the morning and evening. To be effective, the drug must be used regularly every day.
Serevent aerosol inhaler must be shaken thoroughly before each use. Test-spray the inhaler 4 times before the first use and whenever 4 weeks have passed since the last use. Avoid spraying in the eyes.
Serevent Diskus should never be used with a spacer. Always activate the Diskus device in a level, horizontal position. Never exhale into the Diskus device, and always keep it dry. Do not wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the device. Never attempt to take the Diskus apart.
You may be able to taste or feel the medication delivered by the Diskus. However, whether you can sense the delivery of a dose or not, never take more inhalations than what your doctor prescribes.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Serevent.
If Serevent gives you an allergic reaction, you cannot continue using it.
Serevent is not for the treatment of seriously worsening asthma, and should not be started if your asthma is deteriorating.
If you are taking inhaled or oral steroid medications for your asthma, continue using them along with Serevent. This drug does not replace them.
A safety study found that one of the ingredients in Serevent, salmeterol, may be associated with rare cases of serious asthma attacks or asthma-related death. If you're concerned, talk with the doctor about your options. Do not, however, stop using Serevent without first consulting your doctor.
Very rarely, Serevent has triggered allergic reactions in people with severe milk allergy. If you develop an allergic reaction (throat irritation, choking, hives, face and throat swelling, rash, and wheezing) after using Serevent, call your doctor immediately. Likewise, if symptoms of asthma or chronic lung disease get worse after inhaling Serevent, stop using it, take a short-acting bronchodilator, and check with your doctor at once.
Although such effects are rare, Serevent can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Use Salmeterol xinafoate carefully if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or an irregular heartbeat. Caution is also advised if you have a seizure disorder or an overactive thyroid.
Serevent aerosol inhaler can be given to children 12 years of age and older. The Diskus inhalation powder can be given to children 4 and older.
Do not stop Serevent therapy without a doctor's guidance. Your symptoms could worsen without the medication.
If Serevent is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either drug could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Serevent with the following:
Other asthma medication such as albuterolBlood pressure medications known as beta-blockers, including propranolol and metoprololMAO inhibitorsTricyclic antidepressantsWater pills (diuretics) such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazideSerevent has not been adequately tested in pregnant women and is recommended only if its benefits clearly outweigh potential risks. Check with your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. Serevent's effects during breastfeeding are also unknown. You and your doctor should decide whether to discontinue nursing or give up Serevent.
SEREVENT AEROSOL INHALER
Asthma and Chronic Pulmonary Disease
The usual dose is 2 inhalations (42 micrograms) twice a day (morning and evening) 12 hours apart.
Prevention of Exercise-induced Asthma
Take 2 inhalations at least 30 to 60 minutes before exercise. Do not take another dose for 12 hours. (If you are on a twice daily dosage schedule, do NOT take additional Serevent before exercise.)
SEREVENT DISKUS INHALATION POWDER
Asthma and Chronic Pulmonary Disease
The usual dose is 1 inhalation (50 micrograms) twice a day (morning and evening).
Prevention of Exercise-induced Asthma
Take 1 inhalation at least 30 minutes before exercise. Do not take another dose for 12 hours. (If you are on a twice daily dosage schedule, do NOT take additional Serevent before exercise.)
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.