Salmeterol instructions for administration

Instructions for administration
Overview Asthma Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm''' Geriatric use

Overview
Salmeterol should be administered by the orally inhaled route only. It is recommended to “test spray” salmeterol into the air 4 times before using for the first time and in cases where the aerosol has not been used for a prolonged period of time (i.e., more than 4 weeks). Return to top

Asthma
For maintenance of bronchodilatation and prevention of symptoms of asthma, including the symptoms of nocturnal asthma, the usual dosage for patients 12 years of age and older is 2 inhalations (42 mcg) twice daily (morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart). Adverse effects are more likely to occur with higher doses of salmeterol, and more frequent administration or administration of a larger number of inhalations is not recommended. To gain full therapeutic benefit, salmeterol should be administered twice daily (morning and evening) in the treatment of reversible airway obstruction. If a previously effective dosage regimen fails to provide the usual response, medical advice should be sought immediately as this is often a sign of destabilization of asthma. Under these circumstances, the therapeutic regimen should be re-evaluated and additional therapeutic options, such as inhaled or systemic corticosteroids, should be considered. If symptoms arise in the period between doses, an inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist should be taken for immediate relief. Return to top

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
For maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), the usual dosage for adults is 2 inhalations (42 mcg) twice daily (morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart). Return to top

Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm
Two inhalations at least 30 to 60 minutes before exercise have been shown to protect against EIB in many patients for up to 12 hours. Additional doses of Serevent Inhalation Aerosol should not be used for 12 hours after the administration of this drug. Patients who are receiving Serevent Inhalation Aerosol twice daily (morning and evening) shouldnotuse additional salmeterol for prevention of EIB. If this dose is not effective, other appropriate therapy for EIB should be considered. Return to top

Geriatric use
In studies where geriatric patients (65 years of age or older) have been treated with salmeterol, efficacy and safety of 42 mcg given twice daily (morning and evening) did not differ from that in younger patients. Consequently, no dosage adjustment is recommended. Return to top