Indications
Serevent Diskus (salmeterol) is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) medication that is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains the active ingredient Salmeterol. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways in the lungs, which helps to open them up and make it easier to breathe. Over time, Serevent Diskus helps to prevent symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath from occurring.
Serevent Diskus is available only by prescription and should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is generally used as a long-term (maintenance) treatment to prevent or decrease wheezing and trouble breathing caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease.
Uses and Dosage
Serevent Diskus should be inhaled by mouth, usually twice daily in the morning and evening (with a 12-hour interval), according to your doctor's directions. It is possible that you may or may not notice or taste the medication when you inhale it, both of which are normal. Never exhale into the device, and do not use it with a spacer. Additionally, the mouthpiece or any other portion of the device should never be washed.
Serevent Diskus is available as a powder form of salmeterol inhalation that comes with a special inhaler device preloaded with blister packs containing medication.
Here are the general steps for using a Serevent Diskus inhaler:
- Open the foil pouch of the inhaler. On the label, write the date that the pack is opened and the discard date. The discard date should be 6 weeks after the opening date.
- To open the inhaler, hold it with one hand and use the other hand to push the thumb grip open until you see the mouthpiece. You will hear a snap.
- Hold the inhaler in a flat position, mouthpiece facing you. Push the level away from the mouthpiece until you hear a click. The counter in the inhaler should read “1” which means that the diskus is ready to use.
- Breathe out or exhale through your mouth entirely.
- Put the mouthpiece of the diskus inside your mouth and seal your lips around it. Inhale deeply and quickly through your mouth.
- Remove the Diskus from your mouth and hold your breath for not less than ten seconds. You may feel or taste the powder of the medication in your mouth.
- Exhale fully and close the Diskus by pushing the thumb grip back.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Serevent Diskus (Salmeterol):
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Flu symptoms
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Joint or muscle pain
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sweating
- Throat irritation
- Upset stomach
Serious Side Effects of Serevent Diskus (Salmeterol):
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Constipation
- Difficulty breathing
- Dry mouth
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeats
- Fluttering in your chest
- Fruity breath odor
- Hives
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Irregular heartbeat
- Leg cramps
- Limp feeling
- Muscle weakness
- Nervousness
- Numbness or tingling
- Other breathing problems
- Paradoxical bronchospasm or sudden worsening of breathing problems
- Pounding in your neck or ears
- Seizure
- Severe dizziness
- Severe headache
- Tremors
- Worsening asthma symptoms
Form and Strength
Serevent Diskus (Salmeterol) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Serevent Diskus: Diskus
- 50 mcg
Caution
- Asthma-related death: Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABA), such as salmeterol, increase the risk of asthma-related death.
- Serious allergic reaction: Salmeterol can cause a serious allergic reaction that may be life-threatening.
- Worsening signs of asthma and COPD: Salmeterol may worsen the signs and symptoms of asthma or COPD, including increased wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
- Sudden breathing problems: Salmeterol can cause sudden, severe breathing problems that may be life-threatening.
- Cardiovascular effects: Salmeterol can cause cardiovascular effects such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, and arrhythmias.
- Drug interactions: Salmeterol may interact with other medications, such as beta-blockers or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and may cause serious side effects.
- Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of using Serevent Diskus (salmeterol) during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is not well established, and it should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or infant.
- Use in children: Serevent Diskus (salmeterol) is not recommended for use in children under 4 years of age, and caution should be exercised when prescribing to children under 12 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Serevent Diskus (salmeterol) be used as a rescue medication?
No, Serevent Diskus (salmeterol) should not be used as a rescue medication for sudden breathing problems. A quick-relief inhaler should be used instead.
Can children use this medication?
This inhaler is safe and effective for children above the age of 4.
Can I use this medication as a rescue inhaler?
No, you must use a separate quick-relief inhaler.
Resources
- https://www.drugs.com/serevent.html
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/020692s028lbl.pdf
- https://www.goodrx.com/serevent/what-is
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5330/serevent-diskus-inhalation/details
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/salmeterol-inhalation-route/side-effects/drg-20073346?p=1
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