SEREVENT DISKUS - Salmeterol

Serevent Diskus Used For

Serevent Diskus (Salmeterol) inhaler is a bronchodilator that is used for the preventive treatment of asthma. It is also prescribed for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Directions for Serevent Diskus Inhaler

If taken for preventing asthma caused due to exercise, the recommended dose of Serevent Diskus is an inhalation 30 to 60 minutes before exercising, or as directed by the doctor. A follow up dose should not be taken for at least 12 hours. To use the Serevent Diskus inhaler, snap the mouthpiece into position, hold the Diskus level and away from the mouth, breathe out fully away from the mouthpiece avoiding it and then put the mouthpiece to your lips and take a steady, deep breath in through the mouth. Remove the mouthpiece and hold the breath for about 10 seconds and then exhale slowly away from the mouthpiece.

How Serevent Diskus inhaler works

Serevent Diskus inhaler should never be used more than is prescribed by the doctor and never more than once in 12 hours as this may seriously affect the heart and even lead to death. Servent Diskus is not useful against an asthma attack that has already begun since the medication does not act fact enough to stop it. Another, faster-acting inhalation such as albuterol should be kept on hand for relief from such attacks. Consult a doctor immediately if you feel the need for more number of doses than prescribed as this could be the symptom of an oncoming severe asthma attack. This medication is not a substitue for oral or inhalational steroid and those medications should not be stopped without proper medical advice. Situations that may trigger an asthma attack such as exercising in cold, dry air, smoking, breathing in dust, and exposure to allergens such as pet hair should be strictly avoided. Special dose considerations may be required for patients with heart disease or high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, diabetes, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), liver or kidney disease.

Serevent Diskus side effects

Data from a large study of people using salmeterol inhalation has shown a small but significant increased risk of asthma-related deaths. As with all other medications, Serevent Diskus inhaler may also cause side effects which may or may not include any or all of the following: increased difficulty breathing, chest pain or irregular heartbeats, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, insomnia, tremor or nervousness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or dry mouth. It is advisable to seek immediate medical help if any of the above symptoms get aggravated or cause undue discomfort.

Other Serevent Diskus inhaler information

Serevent Diskus is a long-acting medication that is only useful to treat chronic asthma but can't help with acute asthma attacks. It should not be used to substitute any other asthma medications, especially if in patients with history of acute asthma attacks.