Salmeterol: Long-Acting Therapy for Asthma and COPD

A long-acting beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist used as a maintenance therapy in asthma and COPD.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Prescription only, available at pharmacies
Applicable for
Salmeterol
Long-acting beta2-agonist
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Salmeterol FAQ


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Why is salmeterol called a bronchodilator?

Salmeterol is called a bronchodilator because it widens (dilates) your airways. It works by opening up the air passages in your lungs so that air can flow into your lungs more freely. This helps to ease symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless.

How long does salmeterol last?

Salmeterol lasts approximately 12 hours in comparison with salbutamol, which lasts about 4–6 hours. When used regularly every day as prescribed, inhaled salmeterol decreases the number and severity of asthma attacks.

Does salmeterol help with asthma?

Salmeterol is used together with other medicines (eg, inhaled corticosteroids) to control the symptoms of asthma and prevent bronchospasm in patients with asthma. When used regularly every day, inhaled salmeterol decreases the number and severity of asthma attacks. However, it will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started.

How does salmeterol work?

Inhaled salmeterol belongs to a group of drugs called beta-2 agonists. These drugs stimulate beta-2 receptors present in the bronchial musculature. This causes them to relax and prevent the onset and worsening of symptoms of asthma. They act on the enzyme adenyl cyclase which increases the concentration of cAMP ( Cyclic adenosine monophosphate ).

Is salmeterol a long-acting adrenergic receptor agonist?

Salmeterol is a long-acting β 2 adrenergic receptor agonist (LABA) used in the maintenance and prevention of asthma symptoms and maintenance of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms. Symptoms of bronchospasm include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness.

How is salmeterol used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Salmeterol is indicated in the treatment of asthma with an inhaled corticosteroid, prevention of exercise induced bronchospasm, and the maintenance of airflow obstruction and prevention of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 with evidence-based and structured datasets.

Salmeterol References

If you want to know more about Salmeterol, consider exploring links below:

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