Serevent Inhaler

Serevent inhaler includes active ingredient Salmeterol which is responsible for prevention of asthma. Salmeterol lipophilic side chain binds to beta 2 receptor in the lungs and on the bronchiolar smooth muscles, allowing the active portion of the molecule to remain at the receptor site. When the beta 2 receptor of lungs gets stimulated it causes relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles, bronchodilation and increased bronchial airflow.   

How to use Serevent Inhaler

Serevent evohaler is a normal inhaler.  It is sometimes called an MDI (metered dose inhaler) or aerosol inhaler that delivers the medicine as a fine spray or mist. With this inhaler one can press down the canister and breathe in the spray.

How to use Serevent Inhaler

1. Shake the Serevent inhaler three to four times before use

2. Next remove the cap

3. Breathe out, away from your inhaler. Bring the inhaler to your mouth. Place it in your mouth between your teeth and close your mouth around it.

4. Start to breathe in slowly. Press the top of your inhaler once and keep breathing in slowly until you have taken a full breath.

5. Once you are done remove the inhaler from your mouth, and hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out.

Dose

 In patients suffering from asthma

The usual dosage for patients who are more than twelve years of age and older than that should take two inhalation daily. The dose should be one in the morning and one in the evening, approximately twelve hours apart.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease

In case of Bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) the dose is two times a day, approximately twelve hours apart.

In case of exercise induced Bronchospasm two inhalations 30 to 60 minutes before exercise is advised. Additional dose is not allowed at least twelve hours after the administration of the dose.

Side effects

There are different needed effects shown by Salmeterol but there are some unwanted effects which are also reported. They could be categorized as common side effects and less common side effects.

The common side effects include cough producing mucus, headache, irritation of the throat, sneezing, stuffy nose, tightness in the chest and wheezing.

The less common side effectsincludes blurred vision, chills, cold cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, fever, increased hunger, joint pain, loss of appetite, sweating, swelling, troubled breathing, vomiting and white patches in the mouth & tongue.     

Precaution

Before you start using the inhaler there are certain precaution which is required.

• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to the medication.

• Tell your doctor if you are using any other long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). These medications are not supposed to be used with Serevent.

• The doctor should be informed if there are other prescription and nonprescription medication which you have plans to take or you are taking it presently.

• In case of irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, diabetes or liver disease discuss with your doctor before you start using inhaler.

Contraindication

The use of Serevent is contraindicated in the following conditions. In case of Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or any acute episodes of asthma, where intensive measures are required Serevent is contraindicated.  If the patient is having severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins he should avoid the medication totally.

Missed dose

In case you forget the dose the next dose should be taken as per the stipulated interval timing. Do not take a double dose. If you become wheezy or feel tight in the chest before the next dose is due, use a 'reliever puffer' in the usual way.

Overdose

In case of overdose or if you have taken more puffs by mistake, your heart may beat faster than usual. The other symptoms includes headache, muscle weakness, aching of joints and shakiness.

Storage

The medication should be stored in a closely tightly container. It should be kept away from heat and moisture. The medication should be kept away from children and pets.