Salmeterol

Administration

• Type: Beta-2 agonist, bronchodilator
• Dosage Forms:
• Routes of Administration: Inhalation
• Common Trade Names:

Adult Dosing

• 1 oral inhalation (50mcg) q12h

Pediatric Dosing

• >4yo: 1 oral inhalation (50mcg) q12h

Special Populations

• Pregnancy Rating: C
• Lactation risk: Infant risk cannot be ruled out
• Renal dosing: no adjustment
• Hepatic dosing: no adjustment

Contraindications

• Allergy to class/drug

Adverse Reactions

Serious

• Severe asthma exacerbation, asthma-related death
• Prolonged QT interval

Common

• Musculoskeletal pain
• Headache

Pharmacology

• Half-life: 5.5h
• Metabolism: Hepatic
• Excretion: Mostly fecal

Mechanism of Action

• Long-acting beta-2 agonist, stimulates adenyl cyclase--> increased levels of cyclic AMP--> bronchial smooth muscle relaxation

See Also

• Beta-2 agonist