What it is used for
- Asthma (long-term control, always alongside a steroid preventer)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Preventing ongoing wheeze and breathlessness
- Helping keep airways open through the day and night
How it works
Salmeterol relaxes the muscles around the airways and keeps them open for a long period. It is taken regularly to prevent symptoms, not to relieve a sudden attack.
How it is taken
Used as an inhaler, often combined with an inhaled steroid in a single device. It is breathed in and taken regularly. In asthma it must always be used together with a steroid preventer, never on its own. Use it exactly as your clinician directs.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Shakiness or trembling
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Throat irritation
Serious effects — get help
- Worsening breathing or wheeze despite regular use (seek urgent review)
- Chest pain or a very fast/irregular heartbeat
- Sudden wheeze or breathing difficulty straight after use (seek emergency help)
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Beta-blockers (can oppose its effect and worsen breathing)
- Some diuretics and other asthma medicines (may affect potassium)
- Certain antifungal/HIV medicines and some antidepressants
Who should take care
- In asthma, never use salmeterol without a steroid preventer
- It is not a reliever — always keep a fast-acting reliever for sudden symptoms
- Caution with heart conditions, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, or diabetes
- Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding