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Serevent Diskus is a prescription inhaled medication that contains salmeterol, a long-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist (LABA). It is used for the long-term maintenance treatment of breathing problems such as asthma and COPD.
Serevent Diskus works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, helping them stay open and making breathing easier. It is used regularly to prevent symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. This medication is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used to treat sudden breathing attacks.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Salmeterol xinafoate |
| Brand Name | Serevent Diskus |
| Drug Class | Long‑acting beta2‑adrenergic agonist (LABA) |
| Indications (FDA approved) | • Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients ≥4 years, only when used with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS); not for monotherapy • Maintenance treatment of COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema) • Prevention of exercise‑induced bronchospasm in patients ≥4 years |
| Dosage Form | Inhalation powder (breath‑actuated Diskus device) |
| Strength | 50 mcg salmeterol per blister |
| Serevent Boxed Warning | LABAs may increase the risk of asthma‑related death. Use only as additional therapy in patients not adequately controlled on other asthma medications (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids). |
| Contraindications | Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or acute asthma symptoms; hypersensitivity to salmeterol or formulation components |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, musculoskeletal pain, throat irritation, cough, viral respiratory infections |
| Serious Adverse Reactions | Asthma‑related death, paradoxical bronchospasm, cardiovascular effects (tachycardia, arrhythmias), hypersensitivity reactions |
| Precautions | • Not a rescue inhaler; do not use for acute symptoms • Do not exceed the recommended dose • Use with caution in people with cardiovascular disease, convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis • Monitor for paradoxical bronchospasm |
| Storage | Store at room temperature; keep dry; discard 6 weeks after opening foil pouch or when dose counter reads “0” |
| Legal Status | Prescription only (Rx only) |
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Serevent Diskus 50 mcg inhalation powder is approved for use in adults and children (usually 4 years and older) for:
Serevent Diskus carries a boxed warning regarding an increased risk of asthma-related death when long-acting beta₂-agonists (LABAs) are used without an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).
Serevent Diskus contains salmeterol xinafoate, a long-acting beta₂-agonist that helps relax airway muscles and improve breathing. However, using LABA medications alone to treat asthma may raise the risk of serious asthma-related events, including hospitalization or death.
For this reason, Serevent Diskus should always be used with an ICS in patients with asthma. Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and seek medical attention if asthma symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Serevent Diskus 50 mcg contains salmeterol, a long-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist (LABA). It works by relaxing the smooth muscles around the airways in the lungs. When these muscles relax, the airways widen, making it easier for air to move in and out of the lungs.
This bronchodilation helps improve breathing and prevents symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. These symptoms are associated with respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.
The Serevent Diskus (salmeterol xinafoate) inhalation powder should be used exactly as directed by your healthcare expert. Below is the general recommended Serevent dosing information for better understanding:
| Indication | Patient Group | Recommended Dose | Maximum Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asthma Maintenance | Adults and children (≥4 years) | 1 inhalation (50 mcg) twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart | 2 inhalations (100 mcg) per day |
| Exercise‑Induced Bronchospasm (Prevention) | Adults and children (≥4 years) | 1 inhalation (50 mcg) at least 30 minutes before exercise | Do not exceed 2 inhalations within 24 hours |
| COPD Maintenance | Adults | 1 inhalation (50 mcg) twice daily, about 12 hours apart | 2 inhalations (100 mcg) per day |
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Using too much Serevent Diskus may increase the risk of serious side effects. Symptoms of overuse can include fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, tremors, headache, nervousness, or dizziness. In some cases, excessive use may worsen breathing problems or lead to dangerous heart-related effects. If you think you have used too much Serevent Diskus, seek medical attention immediately or contact your provider or a poison control center for guidance.
| Common Side Effects of Serevent Diskus | Rare or Serious Side Effects of Serevent Diskus |
|---|---|
| Headache | Chest pain |
| Nervousness or tremor | Severe allergic reaction |
| Throat irritation | Irregular or fast heartbeat |
| Cough | Worsening breathing or bronchospasm |
| Muscle cramps | Severe dizziness or fainting |
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Before using Serevent Diskus, tell your provider if you have:
This medicine should be used exactly as prescribed, and it should not be used together with other medicines that contain a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA).
Do not use Serevent Diskus if:
Serevent Diskus may interact with certain medications that can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects, reduce its bronchodilator effect, or alter potassium levels. Some of the Serevent interactions are listed below:
| Drug Class | Drug Examples | Interaction Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors | Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Ritonavir, Clarithromycin, Nefazodone | May significantly increase salmeterol levels, raising the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects such as QT prolongation, palpitations, or tachycardia. |
| Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) | Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Isocarboxazid | May enhance the cardiovascular effects of salmeterol, increasing the risk of elevated heart rate or blood pressure changes. |
| Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) | Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Imipramine | May increase sensitivity to the cardiovascular effects of beta‑agonists like salmeterol. |
| Beta‑Blockers | Propranolol, Atenolol, Metoprolol | May reduce the bronchodilator effect of salmeterol and can trigger bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. |
| Non‑Potassium‑Sparing Diuretics | Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide | When used with beta‑agonists, they may increase the risk of low potassium levels (hypokalemia) and ECG changes. |
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Always inform your provider about all the prescriptions, OTC medications, and supplements before using the Serevent Diskus 50 mcg inhaler.
If Serevent Diskus is unsuitable or unavailable, the following alternatives may be considered under medical supervision:
Other Long-Acting Beta₂-Agonists (LABAs)
Combination LABA + Corticosteroid Inhalers
All alternatives require a prescription and medical supervision.
Respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD are common health concerns in the U.S. However, the cost of maintenance inhalers like Serevent Diskus can be expensive for many patients. The average price of this medication in the U.S. is often significantly higher.
Polar Bear Meds helps make treatment more affordable by sourcing Serevent Diskus from licensed Canadian pharmacies, offering savings of up to 80-90% compared to U.S. pharmacy prices.
As a first-time customer, you may receive additional savings by applying our Serevent Diskus coupon code “WELCOMEPB10” to get 10% off your order. Your medication is shipped through Xpress Post, with delivery typically arriving within 3–5 business days.
The provided content on this page is for general information purposes only and should not be treated as any professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Serevent Diskus is a prescription medication, and its use and dosage must be determined by a licensed healthcare provider. Do not start, stop, change, or adjust your Serevent Diskus dose without talking to your doctor. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Plus, you must read the medication label carefully and seek immediate help if you experience serious side effects.
Dr. Jackson Miller is a board-certified medicine physician & hospitalist. He is a healthcare professional with a strong background in patient care. With years of experience and a patient-first approach, he believes the foundation of good health is a patient who feels informed and empowered. He contributes to medical content review, drawing on his background in clinical practice and patient education. He focuses on presenting health information in a clear, accurate, and accessible way to help readers make informed decisions. His work emphasizes clarity, evidence-based guidance, and understandable explanations of medical topics.
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