Salmeterol
Salmeterol Information

About Salmeterol

Salmeterol is a highly selective, inhaled ß 2-agonist indicated for the long-term treatment of asthma and for prevention of bronchospasm in adults with reversible obstructive airway disease. Stimulation of ß 2 -receptors by it in the lung causes relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, which produces bronchodilation and a resultant increase in bronchial airflow. Compared with other inhaled ß-2 agonists, it has a longer duration of action, which allows for twice-daily dosing; however, onset of therapeutic effects is prolonged, which limits the usefulness of it. Because of its delayed onset, it should never be used to treat an acute attack. It is, however, very effective for prophylactic therapy. It was approved by the FDA in February 1994.

Indications

Salmeterol is primarily indicated in conditions like Chronic bronchitis, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Exercise-induced asthma, Obstructive airway disease, Oedema, Oliguria due to renal failure, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Asthma, Severe airways obstruction.

Contraindication

Salmeterol is contraindicated in conditions like Hypertension,Hypersensitivity.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Salmeterol, which give rise to further complications include Cardiac arrhythmias, Atrial fibrillation, Extrasystoles, Tremors, Supraventricular tachycardia.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Salmeterol are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Myalgia, Palpitation, Tachycardia, Nervousness, Rashes, Hypersensitivity reactions, Pharyngitis, Cough, Arthralgia, Edema, Backache, Angioedema, BP variations.

Warnings

Salmeterol should be used with caution in patients with heart disease including heart ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, pheochromocytoma, unusual responsiveness to other sympathomimetics amines, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, seizures disorders, diabetes or any drug allergy. It should be used with caution during pregnancy and only if the benefits of therapy outweigh the risk to the fetus.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, and Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.