Salmeterol
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) bronchodilator used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. This medication is typically used as maintenance therapy and should not be used for acute breathing problems.
A long-acting inhaled bronchodilator for maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R03AC12
- RxNorm
- 36117
- Generic
- Salmeterol
- Class
- atc-r03
- Brands
- AirDuo, Serevent, Wixela, Advair
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- inhaler
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 50 mcg (2 puffs or 1 inhalation) twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 50 mcg (2 puffs or 1 inhalation) twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 50 mcg (2 puffs or 1 inhalation) twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks; prefer short-acting beta agonists if possible
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue if needed for asthma control; do not discontinue abruptly
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
maintain asthma control; LABA with inhaled corticosteroid is preferred over oral corticosteroids if needed
monitor fetal growth and lung development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
use with caution; monitor infant for any signs of tachycardia or irritability
observe infant for respiratory symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 4 yearsnot recommended
do not use in children under 4 years of age
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
4 to 12 yearsuse with inhaled corticosteroid only
use only as combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroid; not for acute symptoms
monitor growth velocity and lung function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno specific adjustment
use with caution; increased risk of cardiovascular side effects
monitor cardiovascular status regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
standard dosing for inhaled formulation due to minimal systemic absorption
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use inhaled formulation; monitor for accumulation
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
standard dosing for inhaled formulation
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution
use lower dose or monitor closely; increased risk of systemic exposure
monitor liver function and for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
moderate consumptionavoid concomitant use
avoid alcohol consumption close to medication administration; may increase risk of adverse effects
monitor for increased side effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Molecular mechanism
Long-term maintenance treatment of asthma, prevention of bronchospasm in COPD, and exercise-induced bronchospasm prevention. Often used alongside inhaled corticosteroids for asthma management.
Salmeterol is a selective beta2-adrenergic agonist that stimulates beta2-receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, causing relaxation of the airways and prolonged bronchodilation lasting approximately 12 hours per dose.
Should not be used as rescue therapy for acute symptoms. Associated with increased risk of asthma-related death when used without an inhaled corticosteroid. Not recommended as first-line therapy for asthma. May cause tremor, tachycardia, or hypokalemia. Available as monotherapy (Serevent) or in combination with fluticasone.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy