Why is Serevent prescribed?
Serevent relaxes the muscles in the walls of the bronchial tubes, allowing the passageways to expand and carry more air. Taken regularly (twice a day), the drug is used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. A relatively long-acting medication, it is recommended only for the type of asthma patient who needs shorter-acting bronchodilators such as Alupent and Ventolin on a frequent, regular basis.
Serevent is available in an aerosol inhaler and as Serevent Diskus inhalation powder. Both forms of Serevent can be used with or without inhaled or oral steroid therapy.
Most important fact about Serevent
Serevent is intended only for long-term prevention of symptoms, and should not be used more than twice a day. Do not use it to treat acute asthma attacks, and do not attempt to relieve worsening asthma by increasing the frequency of your doses. (Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting bronchodilator to relieve acute attacks.)
Seriously worsening asthma is a dangerous-even life-threatening-condition that needs immediate medical attention. Alert your doctor if your short-acting bronchodilator is becoming less effective or you need more inhalations than usual. Also consider it a warning sign if you need 4 or more inhalations daily for 2 days or more in a row, or find that you are finishing a 200-dose canister in less than 8 weeks.
How should you take Serevent?
Use no more than the prescribed dose and follow package directions closely. Space your two daily doses approximately 12 hours apart, in the morning and evening. To be effective, the drug must be used regularly every day.
Serevent aerosol inhaler must be shaken thoroughly before each use. Test-spray the inhaler 4 times before the first use and whenever 4 weeks have passed since the last use. Avoid spraying in the eyes.
Serevent Diskus should never be used with a spacer. Always activate the Diskus device in a level, horizontal position. Never exhale into the Diskus device, and always keep it dry. Do not wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the device. Never attempt to take the Diskus apart.
You may be able to taste or feel the medication delivered by the Diskus. However, whether you can sense the delivery of a dose or not, never take more inhalations than what your doctor prescribes.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never double your dose.
--Storage instructions...
Store the Serevent aerosol inhaler and Serevent Diskus at room temperature away from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. Leave the aerosol inhaler canister with the nozzle end down. Keep the Diskus in a dry place. Throw away the Diskus inhalation device after every blister has been used (when the dose indicator reads "0") or 6 weeks after the blisters have been removed from their foil pouch.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Serevent.
• More common side effects may include:
Asthma, back pain, bronchitis, chest congestion, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nasal inflammation, pallor, respiratory tract infection, sinus headache, sinus infection, sinus problems, sore throat, stomachache, tremor
Why should Serevent not be prescribed?
If Serevent gives you an allergic reaction, you cannot continue using it.
Special warnings about Serevent
Serevent is not for the treatment of seriously worsening asthma, and should not be started if your asthma is deteriorating.
If you are taking inhaled or oral steroid medications for your asthma, continue using them along with Serevent. This drug does not replace them.
A safety study found that one of the ingredients in Serevent, salmeterol, may be associated with rare cases of serious asthma attacks or asthma-related death. If you're concerned, talk with the doctor about your options. Do not, however, stop using Serevent without first consulting your doctor.
Very rarely, Serevent has triggered allergic reactions in people with severe milk allergy. If you develop an allergic reaction (throat irritation, choking, hives, face and throat swelling, rash, and wheezing) after using Serevent, call your doctor immediately. Likewise, if symptoms of asthma or chronic lung disease get worse after inhaling Serevent, stop using it, take a short-acting bronchodilator, and check with your doctor at once.
Although such effects are rare, Serevent can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Use Serevent carefully if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or an irregular heartbeat. Caution is also advised if you have a seizure disorder or an overactive thyroid.
Serevent aerosol inhaler can be given to children 12 years of age and older. The Diskus inhalation powder can be given to children 4 and older.
Do not stop Serevent therapy without a doctor's guidance. Your symptoms could worsen without the medication.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Serevent
If Serevent is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either drug could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Serevent with the following:

Airway-opening medications such as Alupent, Proventil, and Ventolin
Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers, including Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin
MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil
Water pills (diuretics) such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Serevent has not been adequately tested in pregnant women and is recommended only if its benefits clearly outweigh potential risks. Check with your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. Serevent's effects during breastfeeding are also unknown. You and your doctor should decide whether to discontinue nursing or give up Serevent.
Recommended dosage
SEREVENT AEROSOL INHALER
Asthma and Chronic Pulmonary Disease
The usual dose is 2 inhalations (42 micrograms) twice a day (morning and evening) 12 hours apart.
Prevention of Exercise-induced Asthma
Take 2 inhalations at least 30 to 60 minutes before exercise. Do not take another dose for 12 hours. (If you are on a twice daily dosage schedule, do NOT take additional Serevent before exercise.)
SEREVENT DISKUS INHALATION POWDER
Asthma and Chronic Pulmonary Disease
The usual dose is 1 inhalation (50 micrograms) twice a day (morning and evening).
Prevention of Exercise-induced Asthma
Take 1 inhalation at least 30 minutes before exercise. Do not take another dose for 12 hours. (If you are on a twice daily dosage schedule, do NOT take additional Serevent before exercise.)
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
• Symptoms of Serevent overdose may include:
Angina (chest pain), dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, headache, heart irregularities, high or low blood pressure, high blood sugar, insomnia, muscle cramps, nausea, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, seizures, tremor