SALMETEROL

For pregnant and breastfeeding women, risks and benefits must be weighed carefully.  It is categorized C for pregnant women and has potential teratogenic effect.

Applies to salmeterol: inhalation aerosol powder, inhalation disk, inhalation powder.

As well as its needed effects, salmeterol may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

If any of the following side effects occur while taking salmeterol, check with your doctor immediately:

More common

• cough producing mucus
• difficulty with breathing
• headache
• irritation of the throat
• runny nose
• shortness of breath
• sneezing
• stuffy nose
• tightness in the chest
• wheezing

Less common

• abdominal or stomach pain
• blurred vision
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings
• chills
• colds
• cough or hoarseness
• diarrhea
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fever
• flu-like symptoms
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea
• nervousness
• noisy breathing
• pain
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• pounding in the ears
• shivering
• slow or fast heartbeat
• sore mouth or tongue
• sore throat
• sweating
• swelling
• trouble with sleeping
• troubled breathing
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• white patches in the mouth or on the tongue

If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking salmeterol, get emergency help immediately:

Symptoms of overdose

• arm, back, or jaw pain
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• fainting
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• seizures
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• sleeplessness
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• unable to sleep

Some salmeterol side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:

Less common

• acid or sour stomach
• anxiety
• belching
• blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• bone pain
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• difficulty with moving
• discharge or excessive tearing
• eye redness, irritation, or pain
• headache, severe and throbbing
• heartburn
• hives or welts
• indigestion
• itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• mouth or tooth pain
• muscle cramps and spasm
• muscle stiffness or tightness
• redness of the skin
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• skin rash
• skin rash, encrusted, scaly and oozing
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Indications for the use of Salmeterol does not include acute bronchospasm.

Do not take additional doses prior to exercise.

Long-acting beta-2 agonists should be used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for long-term asthma control.

Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Asthma – Maintenance

Inhalation powder: 1 puff (50 mcg) every 12 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – Maintenance

Inhalation powder: 1 puff (50 mcg) every 12 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Bronchospasm Prophylaxis

Prevention of Exercise Induced Asthma:

Inhalation powder: 1 puff (50 mcg) 30 to 60 minutes before exercise.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma – Maintenance

Children at least 4 years of age:

Inhalation powder: 1 puff (50 mcg) every 12 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – Maintenance

Children at least 4 years of age:

Inhalation powder: 1 puff (50 mcg) every 12 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bronchospasm Prophylaxis

Prevention of Exercise Induced Asthma:

Children at least 4 years of age:

Inhalation powder: 1 puff (50 mcg) 30 to 60 minutes before exercise.