Formulary
Salmeterol: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Salmeterol clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Salmeterol: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Salmeterol clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
Indications and dose
**Reversible airways obstruction in patients requiring long-term regular bronchodilator therapy,Nocturnal asthma in patients requiring long-term regular bronchodilator therapy,Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in patients requiring long-term regular bronchodilator therapy,Chronic asthma only in patients who regularly use an inhaled corticosteroid (not**
- **Child** (By Inhalation Of Aerosol, Or By Inhalation Of Powder): 12-17 years 50 micrograms twice daily, dose may be increased in more severe airway obstruction; increased to 100 micrograms twice daily.
- **Adult** (By Inhalation Of Aerosol, Or By Inhalation Of Powder): 50 micrograms twice daily, dose may be increased in more severe airway obstruction; increased to 100 micrograms twice daily.
**Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease**
- **Adult** (By Inhalation Of Aerosol, Or By Inhalation Of Powder): 50 micrograms twice daily.
**Reversible airways obstruction in patients requiring long-term regular bronchodilator therapy, Nocturnal asthma in patients requiring long-term regular bronchodilator therapy, Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in patients requiring long-term regular bronchodilator therapy, Chronic asthma only in patients who regularly use an inhaled corticosteroid (not for immediate relief of acute asthma) for salmeterol**
- **Child 5-11 years** (By inhalation of aerosol, or by inhalation of powder): 50 micrograms twice daily.
- **Child 12-17 years** (By inhalation of aerosol, or by inhalation of powder): 50 micrograms twice daily, dose may be increased in more severe airway obstruction; increased to 100 micrograms twice daily.
Cautions
For all beta-2-adrenoceptor agonists, selective Arrhythmias; cardiovascular disease; diabetes (risk of hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis, especially with intravenous use); hypertension; hyperthyroidism; hypokalaemia; susceptibility to QT-interval prolongation Cautions, further information Hypokalaemia Potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from beta 2 agonist therapy. Particular caution is required in severe asthma or COPD, because this effect may be potentiated by concomitant treatment with theophylline and its derivatives, corticosteroids, diuretics, and by hypoxia. M
Side effects
For all beta-2-adrenoceptor agonists, selective Common or very common Arrhythmias; dizziness; headache; hyperglycaemia; palpitations; tremor Rare or very rare Bronchospasm paradoxical (sometimes severe) Side-effects For salmeterol Common or very common Muscle cramps Uncommon Nervousness; skin reactions Rare or very rare Arthralgia; bronchospasm; chest pain; hypokalaemia; insomnia; nausea; oedema; oropharyngeal irritation
Interactions
**Severe interactions:**
- Coadministration with Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Gilead may result in increased plasma concentrations of salmeterol, which is associated with the potential for...
**Other interactions (10):**
- INHALED BETA AGONIST Salmeterol Interaction not studied with any of the components of Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Gilead.
- Concurrent administration of salmeterol and Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Gilead is not recommended.
- Beta 2 -adrenoceptor agonist (long acting) Salmeterol Salmeterol: Concentrations are expected to increase due to CYP3A inhibition by lopinavir/ritonavir.
- The combination may result in increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events associated with salmeterol, including QT prolongation, palpitations and sinus tachycardia.
- Therefore, concomitant administration of Kaletra with salmeterol is not recommended (see section 4.4).
- INHALED BETA AGONISTS Salmeterol Not studied.
Pregnancy
For all beta-2-adrenoceptor agonists, selective Inhaled drugs for asthma can be taken as normal during pregnancy. Pregnancy For salmeterol Inhaled drugs for asthma can be taken as normal during pregnancy.
Breast feeding
Inhaled drugs for asthma can be taken as normal during breast-feeding.
Medicinal forms
Powder
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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