Serevent (generic name: salmeterol) is used to reduce asthma symptoms and manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also prevent breathing issues during exercise (exercise-induced asthma).
Serevent comes in two formats – Serevent Inhaler and Serevent Diskus.
Salmeterol is a long-acting selective beta-2-adrenoceptor agonist that acts as a bronchodilator to maintain open airways in the lungs, allowing air to enter and exit more easily. Serevent helps to prevent the onset of breathlessness and wheezing. If those two symptoms already occur, a ‘fast-acting reliever’ medicine, such as Ventolin, is needed.
Serevent is inhaled through the mouth. Its benefits can start within 10 to 20 minutes and should persist for at least 12 hours. It is usually combined with a steroid inhaler.
Dosage
The doctor will set the dosage and treatment regimen. The usual suggested dosages are as follows:
Adults with asthma
- The recommended initial dose of Serevent Diskus is one puff twice daily, and Serevent Inhaler is two puffs daily.
- For severe asthma, the doctor may recommend increasing the dose to two puffs of Diskus and four puffs of Inhaler twice daily.
Children with asthma
- For children over four, the suggested dose of Dikus is one puff twice a day, and for the Inhaler it is two puffs twice daily.
- Serevent Diskus should not be used in children under four years of age.
Adults with COPD
- The recommended initial dose of Diskus is one puff twice daily; for the Inhaler, it is two puffs twice daily.
- The medication is not suitable for children or adolescents with COPD.
Storage
Store in the original container, keeping below 30°C/86°F. Follow the proper handling guide from our trusted pharmacists.
FAQs
What is the difference between salmeterol and salbutamol?
Salmeterol is a bronchodilator that lasts at least 12 hours in patients with asthma, compared with 4 to 6 hours for salbutamol.
Does Serevent work when there is breathlessness or wheezing?
Serevent helps prevent the onset of wheezing and breathlessness. However, it is ineffective if wheezing and difficulty breathing are already present. In such a case, taking a fast-acting reliever medication like Ventolin is necessary.
Can I drink water after using an inhaler?
After using an inhaler, the mouth should be rinsed with water, followed by gargle, and the water spat out. Do not swallow the water. This helps reduce the medicine’s side effects.
This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
Read the information leaflet that comes with the medication.
Most people who use Serevent do not experience any negative side effects. Doctors prescribe this medication because they assess the benefits of such treatment outweigh any likely unwanted effects.
Some of the side effects that have been reported include:
- Muscle cramps
- Feeling shaky
- Fast or uneven heartbeat (palpitations)
- Headache
- Shaking hands (tremor). Tremors are more likely if more than one puff is taken twice daily.
- Rash
- Sore mouth or throat
- Nausea (stomach discomfort and a sensation of wanting to vomit)
- Aching, swollen joints, or chest pain.
- Very fast heart rate (tachycardia). This is more likely to happen if more than one puff is taken twice daily.
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Being unable to sleep or finding sleep difficult
- Breathing difficulties or wheezing that get worse right after taking Serevent. If this happens, stop using Serevent. Use a ‘fast-acting reliever’ inhaler to help breathing and tell a doctor.
- An uneven heartbeat or the heart gives an extra beat (arrhythmias).
Not all side effects are listed here. If these or other unlisted symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Serevent is indicated for the following conditions:
- Asthma, including nocturnal asthma and exercise-induced asthma.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – including bronchitis and emphysema.