Salmeterol

3 medicines

Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator used to control asthma and COPD. In asthma it must never be used alone: it carries a boxed warning for increased risk of asthma-related death unless combined with an inhaled corticosteroid.

Advair Diskus

Salmeterol, Fluticasone

100/50/250/50/500/50mcg

Advair Diskus is a asthma respiratory medication containing Salmeterol + Fluticasone, available as 100/50/250/50/500/50mcg inhalers.

from $106.55 / inhaler View

Advair Rotahaler

Fluticasone, Salmeterol

50/250mg

Advair Rotahaler is a asthma respiratory medication containing Fluticasone + Salmeterol, available as 50/250mg tablets.

from $1.81 / tablet View

Seroflo Inhaler

Fluticasone, Salmeterol

25/125/25/250mcg

Seroflo Inhaler is a asthma respiratory medication containing Fluticasone + Salmeterol, available as 25/125/25/250mcg inhalers.

from $34.00 / inhaler View

Key facts

  • Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) that keeps airways open for about 12 hours. It is a twice-daily controller medicine, not a rescue inhaler.
  • In asthma, salmeterol must never be used alone. It carries a boxed warning for an increased risk of asthma-related death when used without an inhaled corticosteroid, so it is only prescribed as part of a combination inhaler, such as Advair or Seretide, that also delivers a steroid.
  • Salmeterol does not relieve a sudden asthma attack. Its effect takes too long to start; you still need a fast-acting reliever such as salbutamol for sudden symptoms.
  • Seek urgent care if your breathing worsens despite using your inhalers as prescribed, or if you need your reliever inhaler much more than usual.

What salmeterol treats

Salmeterol is used for long-term control of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reducing how often symptoms such as wheeze, cough and breathlessness occur. In asthma it is always combined with an inhaled corticosteroid in one device. In COPD it can be prescribed on its own or combined with a steroid or another long-acting bronchodilator, since the asthma-death risk tied to LABA monotherapy applies specifically to asthma.

How salmeterol works

Salmeterol binds to beta-2 receptors on the muscles surrounding your airways and holds them relaxed for around 12 hours per dose, keeping the airways open between attacks. It does not treat the underlying airway inflammation, which is why an inhaled corticosteroid is added in asthma to control that inflammation while salmeterol manages airway tightness.

Before you take it

  • Do not use a salmeterol-only inhaler as your sole asthma treatment. Confirm you are also taking an inhaled corticosteroid, either separately or in the same combination device.
  • Tell your prescriber if you have a heart rhythm disorder, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid, since LABAs can increase heart rate.
  • Do not take more inhalations than prescribed. Overuse raises the risk of tremor, fast heartbeat and low blood potassium.

Side effects

Common effects include tremor, headache, throat irritation, and a fast heartbeat.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Sudden worsening of wheeze or breathlessness after a dose.
  • A fast, irregular heartbeat or chest pain.
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including facial swelling or hives.

Safety essentials

  • Never take salmeterol alone for asthma. It must always be combined with an inhaled corticosteroid, and it is not a substitute for a fast-acting reliever during an attack.
  • If your asthma or COPD feels harder to control despite regular use, contact your doctor rather than increasing the dose yourself.
  • Keep a fast-acting reliever inhaler with you at all times for sudden symptoms; salmeterol takes too long to act to help during an acute attack.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.