Bronchodilator: Long-Acting Beta2-Agonist

What are other names for this medicine?

Other names for this medicine are salmeterol (Serevent or Serevent Diskus) and formoterol (Foradil Aerolizer). The ADVAIR Diskus contains both salmeterol and the inhaled steroid fluticasone.

For more information see Inhaled Steroids

What does this drug do?

These medicines are long-term control medicines. They relax the smooth muscles of the airways. They can also prevent the tightening of the muscles around the airways (bronchospasm) caused by asthma triggers such as pollens, exercise, cold air, and air pollutants. These medications take 10 to 20 minutes to start working. They are not to be used as rescue medications. The medicine works for about 12 hours after the dose is taken.

How is it taken?

Serevent can be inhaled from a dry powder device called a Diskus. Formoterol is inhaled from a dry powder device called an Aerolizer.

What is the usual dose?

Diskus: If your child is using the dry powder, the dose is usually 1 inhalation every 12 hours.

Your child's dose of inhaled _____________________ is _______ puffs inhaled from a dry powder device ____ times a day.

What side effects can this drug cause?

The most common side effects are jitteriness and an increased heart rate.

What special instructions should be followed?

Do not increase the number of treatments to more than twice in a 24-hour period without checking with your doctor. If it seems like your child needs more treatments because the asthma symptoms are not helped by the medicine, call your doctor.