Brand name:
Serevent
Pronounced: SER-ah-vent
Generic name: Salmeterol xinafoate
Other brand name: Serevent Diskus
Why is Serevent prescribed?
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 Alupent and Ventolin 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.
Most important fact about Serevent
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 local 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 local 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.
How should you take Serevent?
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 at