SALMETEROL metered dose inhaler

Therapeutic action

• Long-acting beta-2 agonist bronchodilator

Indications

• Long term treatment of moderate and severe persistent asthma (maintenance treatment), in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid (beclometasone)

Forms and strengths

• Solution or suspension for inhalation in pressurised metered dose inhaler, delivering 25 micrograms of salmeterol/puff

Dosage 

Start at the step most appropriate to initial severity. Always try to administer the lowest effective dose.

• Child 6 to 11 years: 2 puffs (50 micrograms) 2 times daily (max. 4 puffs or 100 micrograms daily)
• Child 12 years and over and adult: 2 to 4 puffs (50 to 100 micrograms) 2 times daily (max. 8 puffs or 200 micrograms daily)

Duration

• Treatment should be given as long as required. Re-evaluate after 2 to 3 months if doses are adequate or need to be increased or decreased.

Administration technique

• Shake the inhaler. Remove the mouthpiece cover.
• Breathe in and breathe out as completely as possible. Place the lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Inhale deeply while activating the inhaler. Hold breath 10 seconds before exhaling.
• If hand-breath co-ordination is difficult, use a spacer to facilitate administration and improve the efficacy of treatment.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• May cause: headache, tremor and tachycardia, hyperglycaemia; hypokalaemia (after high doses).
• Pregnancy: no contra-indication
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Remarks

• Salmeterol must always be used with an inhaled corticosteroid. It should not be used for symptomatic relief of acute asthma.
• Relief of symptoms may require several days or weeks of continuous therapy. 
• Clean the mouthpiece before and after each use.
• Do not pierce or incinerate used aerosol containers (risk of explosion). 

Storage