salmeterol xinafoate at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting beta2 agonist bronchodilator (LABA)
Main uses
Regular symptom prevention in asthma and treatment of COPD
Acute symptoms
Not suitable for sudden breathlessness or wheezing; use a fast-acting reliever
Asthma treatment
Use with inhaled or oral corticosteroid treatment, not as the only controller
Available devices
Selected products include a pressurised inhaler and a lactose-containing dry-powder Accuhaler
What is salmeterol xinafoate used for?
The selected products are licensed for regular bronchodilator treatment, not immediate symptom relief.
Asthma inadequately controlled by inhaled corticosteroids, including nocturnal symptoms
Prevention of exercise-induced asthma symptoms
Reversible airway obstruction associated with asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
How does salmeterol xinafoate work?
Salmeterol stimulates beta2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, relaxing it and producing prolonged bronchodilation. It does not have the anti-inflammatory action of corticosteroids, so corticosteroid treatment remains essential in asthma.
salmeterol xinafoate preparations and strengths
Inhaled preparation
Route: Inhaled
Strengths: 25 micrograms/actuation
How to take salmeterol xinafoate
Use only by inhalation and follow instructions for the specific device. Ask a healthcare professional to demonstrate and periodically recheck your technique.
For a pressurised inhaler, shake it, breathe out comfortably, then breathe in slowly and deeply while pressing the canister; hold your breath as comfortable afterward.
A Volumatic spacer may be used with the selected pressurised inhaler when coordination is difficult.
Clean the pressurised inhaler mouthpiece with a dry cloth or tissue; do not put the metal canister in water.
For the Accuhaler, prepare the blister using the lever while sitting or standing, then inhale the powder through the mouth.
Do not use it for an asthma attack or sudden breathlessness.
salmeterol xinafoate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Tremor or shakiness
- Palpitations
- Muscle cramps
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden worsening of wheeze immediately after inhalation
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Markedly fast or irregular heartbeat
- Symptoms of low potassium, such as muscle weakness, cramps or an uneven heartbeat
salmeterol xinafoate in pregnancy
Product information advises caution because salmeterol-specific pregnancy data are limited, although available human outcomes have not indicated malformation or fetal toxicity. Good asthma control is important during pregnancy. Do not stop prescribed asthma treatment without speaking to a GP, asthma nurse or specialist.
salmeterol xinafoate while breastfeeding
Information about salmeterol in human milk is limited, so product information recommends an individual assessment of treatment and breastfeeding benefits. Prescribed asthma treatment can generally be continued while breastfeeding; discuss concerns with the prescriber rather than stopping treatment.
salmeterol xinafoate interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines, as some can reduce bronchodilation or increase beta2-agonist effects.
Beta blockers, including propranolol, atenolol and sotalol
May weaken or block salmeterol's effect and can provoke bronchospasm.
Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, including ketoconazole, itraconazole and ritonavir
Can substantially increase exposure and the risk of palpitations, QT prolongation and other systemic effects.
Common questions about salmeterol xinafoate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is salmeterol xinafoate a steroid inhaler?
No. It is a long-acting bronchodilator. In asthma, it is used alongside corticosteroid treatment because it does not treat airway inflammation.
Can it relieve an asthma attack?
No. It does not act quickly enough for sudden symptoms; use the prescribed fast-acting reliever and follow the asthma action plan.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.