Inhalers for Asthma

Salmeterol

Salmeterol

Salmeterol is a prescription drug for the patients 4 years of age or older. It is a medication intended to fight the symptoms of asthma and COPD. It is produced in a powder form, which works by relaxing the muscles and expanding the airways. The drug is often used to suppress or prevent bronchospasm.

The medication is used to suppress the conditions such as cough and chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. Patients should understand that Salmeterol is not able to cure the symptoms of asthma, but it is used to control them with the help of a quick-acting inhaler. 

Mode of Application

The drug is used by inhaling the medicine powder through an inhaler. The active ingredient of the drug Salmeterol helps to ease breathing by widening the airways.

It is usually recommended to inhale the drug twice a day in the morning and evening time. The medicine should be taken daily at regular time intervals.

If a person is going to have strong physical activity that can provoke breathing problems, then it is recommended to inhale Salmeterol half an hour before the physical activity.

The medication is not intended for the treatment of rapidly worsening asthma conditions. If you experience a complication of the symptoms that worry you, then you should see your doctor immediately.

You should follow all the doctor's recommendations, as well as the instructions for using the inhaler. Never try to change the treatment yourself. Do not change the dosage of a medicine and do not use any medicines that have not been prescribed to you.

If you get any of the following symptoms during the treatment, then you should call your doctor immediately: symptoms of asthma do not improve; inhaler work has changed for the worse; breathing problems are getting more serious; to achieve a positive result, you need more inhalations than usual. The treatment with Salmeterol should not be finished without consulting a doctor.

Warning

Before taking Salmeterol tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using this drug, you must inform your doctor promptly.

Any medicine has contraindications, side effects and drugs interactions. Salmeterol is not an exception. It is important to tell the doctor everything about your health condition, including the presence of allergies to any drugs, substances and food.

You should tell your doctor about any medicines, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking. Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions in addition to your asthma and COPD symptoms. Only after a complete study of your medical history your doctor will prescribe safe medications for you. During asthma treatment it is important to be constantly monitored by the doctor.

Side Effects

If during the period of treatment with Salmeterol you began to experience the following conditions, then you need to consult a doctor: cough, runny nose, headache, muscle pain, irritability, nausea, toothache, dizziness, tingling in the extremities, ear pain, and insomnia.

More serious adverse reactions include: rash, swelling, chest pain, rapid breathing and shortness of breath, swallowing difficulty, wheezing. If you get any of these reactions, then you need to seek immediate medical attention.

Overdose symptoms: dizziness, chest pain, fainting, severe headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, nervousness, insomnia.

The above list of adverse reactions is not complete. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Comparison