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Salmeterol Xinafoate: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Established (FDA-approved) uses Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 4 years of age and older.

Forms:Inhaler

About Salmeterol Xinafoate

Indications of Salmeterol Xinafoate

Established (FDA-approved) uses

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 4 years of age and older. Salmeterol Xinafoate must always be given together with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) - it must never be used alone (as monotherapy) for asthma, per its boxed warning.
  • Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in patients 4 years of age and older.
  • Long-term, twice-daily maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Important limitation of use

Salmeterol Xinafoate is not a rescue medicine. It does not relieve acute asthma or COPD symptoms and must not be used to treat acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. A separate fast-acting (short-acting beta-agonist) inhaler must always be available for acute symptoms.

Dosage & Administration of Salmeterol Xinafoate

Dosage by indication

IndicationPopulationDose
Asthma (always with an ICS)Adults and children 4 years and older1 inhalation twice daily (morning and evening), about 12 hours apart
Exercise-induced bronchospasmAdults and children 4 years and older not already on a twice-daily LABA1 inhalation at least 30 minutes before exercise; do not repeat within 12 hours
COPD maintenanceAdults1 inhalation twice daily, about 12 hours apart

Do not increase the frequency or number of inhalations beyond the prescribed dose. Maximum recommended dosing is twice daily; more frequent administration does not provide additional benefit and increases the risk of adverse effects. See Administration for device-specific technique.

Side Effects of Salmeterol Xinafoate

Common (asthma)

Headache, influenza-like symptoms, nasal and sinus congestion, pharyngitis, rhinitis, tracheitis/bronchitis.

Common (COPD)

Cough, headache, musculoskeletal pain, throat irritation, viral upper respiratory infection.

Less common but clinically important

  • Tachycardia, palpitations, tremor (see Precautions and Warnings for cardiovascular risk)
  • Paradoxical bronchospasm (see Precautions and Warnings)
  • Hypokalemia and hyperglycemia, particularly at higher than recommended doses
  • Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, angioedema, rash, and rarely anaphylaxis
  • Oropharyngeal candidiasis (mainly with combination ICS/LABA products)

Contraindications of Salmeterol Xinafoate

  • Known hypersensitivity to salmeterol or any excipient of the product (including severe milk protein hypersensitivity for dry powder formulations containing lactose).
  • Primary treatment of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus - Salmeterol Xinafoate is not a rescue bronchodilator and is contraindicated for the primary treatment of acute episodes; a fast-acting bronchodilator must be used instead.
  • Use as monotherapy for asthma - per its boxed warning, Salmeterol Xinafoate is contraindicated for asthma treatment without concurrent use of an inhaled corticosteroid.

Frequently Asked Questions about Salmeterol Xinafoate

What is Salmeterol Xinafoate used for?

Salmeterol Xinafoate is a long-acting inhaled bronchodilator used for the twice-daily maintenance treatment of asthma (always together with an inhaled corticosteroid) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. It is not for relieving sudden asthma or COPD attacks.

Can I use Salmeterol Xinafoate alone for my asthma, without a steroid inhaler?

No. Salmeterol Xinafoate carries a boxed warning that using it alone (without an inhaled corticosteroid) for asthma increases the risk of asthma-related death. It must always be used together with an inhaled corticosteroid prescribed by your physician.

Can I use Salmeterol Xinafoate to treat a sudden asthma attack?

No. Salmeterol Xinafoate has a slow onset of action and is not a rescue medicine. You must keep a separate fast-acting (short-acting beta-agonist) inhaler on hand for sudden symptoms, and seek medical help if symptoms do not improve.

What are the common side effects of Salmeterol Xinafoate?

Common side effects include headache, throat irritation, nasal or sinus congestion, and, in COPD patients, cough and musculoskeletal pain. Less commonly it can cause a fast or pounding heartbeat, tremor, or low blood potassium, especially if used more often than prescribed.

Is Salmeterol Xinafoate safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Salmeterol Xinafoate should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if your physician determines that the benefit of controlling your asthma or COPD outweighs any potential risk, since uncontrolled asthma itself can be harmful. Do not start or stop Salmeterol Xinafoate during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice.

What should I do if I think I have used too much Salmeterol Xinafoate?

Symptoms of overdose can include a fast heartbeat, tremor, chest pain, or seizures. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services or a poison control center right away; do not try to manage it at home.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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