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| Pronunciation |
|
 (sal
ME te
role) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Serevent®; Serevent®
Diskus® |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Zantirel®
(Mexico) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Beta2 Agonist |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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|
- If you have an allergy to salmeterol or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you are having a breathing attack and need quick relief.
- If you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (isocarboxazid,
phenelzine, tranylcypromine) in the last 14
days.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used to open the airways in diseases like asthma and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease where spasm may cause breathing problems.
- It should not
be used for immediate treatment of breathing problems. This is a long-term
treatment.
- Keep the right inhaler handy for immediate breathing problems. If you
are not sure which one that is then call healthcare provider.
- It can also prevent exercise-induced breathing
problems.
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|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Salmeterol works at sites in the airways to relax the muscle and
improve oxygen delivery.
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| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- For inhaling (puffing) only by an inhaler.
- A spacer can be used with the inhaler for easier delivery. This gets
more medicine into the lungs.
- Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Using the
inhaler the right way is very important. Shake well before using.
- Do not use a spacer with the inhaled powder.
- Always keep device dry; never
wash.
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|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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|
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with
healthcare provider.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Wear disease medical alert identification for lung disease.
- Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake.
Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, rapid heartbeats, and
anxiety.
- For exercise-induced asthma, take 30-60 minutes (for inhaler) or 30
minutes (inhaled powder via Diskus®) before exercise. Do
not take another dose for 12 hours.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Cough.
- Nervousness, shakiness.
- Dry mouth, throat irritation. Rinse out mouth with water after each
use.
|
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|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Watch for changes in breathing. Is breathing better, worse, or the
same?
- If you are using this medicine for asthma, monitor with peak flow
meter.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Unable to get breathing attack under control.
- Very nervous and excitable.
- Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased
ability to walk.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store at room temperature with nozzle end down. Protect from freezing
and direct sunlight.
- Metered-dose inhalers should be at room temperature for best effects.
- Store inhalation powder in a dry place, at room temperature. Protect
from direct heat and sunlight. Throw away after every dose has been used, or 6
weeks after opening.
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| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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