Salmeterol Xinafoate

Seravent is indicated for reversible airways obstruction (including nocturnal asthma and prevention of exercise-included bronchospasm) in patients requiring long term regular bronchodilator therapy.

Beta-2 adrenoceptor stimulation causes relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, bronchodilation, and increased airflow. Salmeterol is hypothesized to bind to 2 sites on the beta-2 adrenoceptor.1 The saligenin moiety binds to the active site of the beta-2 adrenoceptor. The hydrophilic tail of salmeterol binds to leucine residues in the exo-site of the beta-2 adrenoceptor almost irreversibly, allowing salmeterol to persist in the active site, which is responsible for it's long duration of action. Another hypothesis is that the lipophilic drug diffuses into lipid bilayer of smooth muscle cells and provides a depot of drug to the cells over a longer period of time.

Adults : 50 micrograms (two puffs) twice daily. More severe cases : 100 micrograms (four puffs) twice daily. Children 5-12 years : 50 micrograms (two puffs) twice daily. Or, as directed by the registered physician.

Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors and Tricyclic Antidepressants: These agents should be used with caution because Seravent may be potentiated by these agents.

lt is contraindicated in patients with khown to have hypersensitivity to the drug.

Adverse effects which have been associated with Seravent are dose related tremor, subjective palpitations and headaches are usually mild and transient, muscle pain, stiffness, chest pain, rash have also been reported.

Salmeterol should not be used in pregnant women except in clinical circumstance where no alternative therapy is appropriate and the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are no date on the excretion of Salmeterol in human milk. A decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Inhalation of Seravent may be associated with paradoxical bronchospasm and it should not be used in patients who are not also receiving and inhaled corticosteroid. Seravent is not appropriate for the treatment of acute symptoms.

Store between 20-25°C. Protect from heat or sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.