Serevent

Serevent (Salmeterol Xinafoate) is used for long-term, twice-daily maintenance treatment of asthma. It is also used for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Shake the Serevent (Salmeterol Xinafoate) inhaler well immediately before each use. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece; the strap on the cap will stay attached to the actuator. If the strap is removed from the actuator and lost, the inhaler mouthpiece should be inspected for the presence of foreign objects before each use. Make sure the canister is fully and firmly inserted into the actuator.

As with all aerosol medications, it is recommended to "test spray" the inhaler. Do this by spraying four times into the air before using for the first time and when the inhaler has not been used for a prolonged period of time (i.e., more than 4 weeks). Breathe out through the mouth. Place the mouthpiece in the mouth, holding the inhaler upright and closing the lips around it. Alternatively, the inhaler may be positioned 1 to 2 inches away from the open mouth. While breathing in deeply and slowly through the mouth, press down firmly and fully on the top of the metal canister with your index finger. Continue to inhale and try to hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds. Before breathing out, remove the inhaler from your mouth and release your finger from the canister. Wait about 30 seconds and shake the inhaler again. Repeat steps 3 through 5 for each inhalation prescribed by your physician. Replace the mouthpiece cap after each use.

Side effects of Serevent (Salmeterol Xinafoate) that may go away during treatment, include headache, tremor, irregular heartbeat, or muscle cramping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your physician. Check with your physician as soon as possible if you experience increased difficulty breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your physician, nurse, or pharmacist.

Do not stop using Serevent (Salmeterol Xinafoate) without first checking with your physician. This medicine will not stop an asthma attack once one has started.

If you are also using another bronchodilator inhaler, be sure to always carry it with you to use during asthma attacks. If you have questions about which medicines are used to prevent asthma attacks and which medicines stop asthma attacks, check with your physician or pharmacist. Do not increased the dose or use this medicine more often than prescribed without checking with your physician. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your physician or pharmacist. If you are using other inhalers, wait a few minutes between using this medicine and other inhalers unless otherwise directed. If you have difficulty using this medicine or you experience side effects like mouth sores or bad taste, ask your physician or pharmacist about using a spacing device.

If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast feed while taking this medicine.