Serevent

Generic name: Salmeterol xinafoate

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 albuterol 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 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 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 attempt to take the Diskus apart.