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Salmeterol
Salmeterol is a prescription drug that is used for treating airway spasms in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By relaxing the muscles around the airways to allow more air into and out of the lungs, the medication can help prevent asthma attacks from occurring. Salmeterol comes in the form of an inhalation powder and is generally used twice a day. However, it can also be used 30 minutes before exercise to help prevent exercise-induced asthma attacks.
Salmeterol xinafoate (Serevent®) is a prescription medication used to treat airway spasms (called bronchospasms) caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Salmeterol is also approved to prevent exercise-induced asthma attacks.
(Click What Is Salmeterol Used For? for more information on specific salmeterol uses, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with salmeterol. However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When salmeterol side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of salmeterol include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Bone or muscle pain
- Nasal or sinus congestion
- Irritation or infection of the airway, including bronchitis
- A sore throat.
(Click Side Effects of Salmeterol to learn about the specific side effects of salmeterol, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD