Salmeterol
Salmeterol
Salmeterol (pronounced sal-MET-er-ol) is a long-acting beta2 adrenergic receptor agonist (LABA) used in the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Etymology
The term "Salmeterol" is derived from the Latin sal meaning "salt" and meter meaning "measure". The -ol suffix is common in many pharmaceutical drugs and indicates the presence of an alcohol group in the chemical structure.
Usage
Salmeterol is used as an inhaler and works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the small air passages in the lungs. This helps to open the airways and makes it easier for air to get in and out of the lungs. Salmeterol is not used to relieve a sudden attack of breathlessness as it does not work quickly enough. It is used to prevent the symptoms of asthma and COPD.
Related Terms
- Beta2 adrenergic receptor agonist: A class of drugs that are used to treat asthma and COPD. They work by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the small air passages in the lungs.
- Asthma: A common long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and easily triggered bronchospasms.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Salmeterol include throat irritation, headache, and rapid heartbeat. Serious side effects may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, and fainting.
Precautions
Before using Salmeterol, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Salmeterol
- Wikipedia's article - Salmeterol
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski