Salmeterol Side Effects

Brand Names: Serevent

Please note - some side effects for Salmeterol may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Salmeterol - for the Consumer

Salmeterol

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Salmeterol:

Headache; nasal or sinus congestion; nervousness; stuffy nose; throat irritation; tremor.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat; unusual hoarseness); chest pain; choking; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; new or worsening asthma symptoms (eg, coughing, increased chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing); overexcitement; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; severe or persistent muscle pain or cramps.

Side Effects by Body System

General

Salmeterol is usually well-tolerated and adverse effects seen are consistent with its pharmacological action. In general, the severity of these adverse effects are dependent on dose. Tolerance to the adverse effects of salmeterol can occur.

Cardiovascular

The cardiovascular system side effects have included palpitations and peripheral vasodilation, commonly resulting in reflex tachycardia. Blood pressure has increased and decreased. Higher doses have rarely aggravated angina, myocardial ischemia, or caused atrial or ventricular arrhythmias.

Changes in heart rate of approximately 8 to 16 beats per minute may be produced by 0.2 mg of salmeterol given by MDI. At an inhaled dose of 0.4 mg, two subjects have experienced nonspecific T-wave changes, and one subject experienced QT prolongation. Higher doses of salmeterol should be used with caution in patients with cardiac disease, arrhythmias, or hypertension. All of these effects are dose-related and lower doses may be tolerated.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included tremors, especially at higher doses. Tolerance has developed to the tremorogenic effects. Severe muscle cramping is rarely reported.

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included hypokalemia, and less commonly hyperglycemia.

Following a 400-mcg dose of salmeterol via MDI, a decrease in plasma potassium concentrations of 0.45 mEq/L has been reported. Salmeterol may stimulate sodium-potassium ATPase resulting in an intracellular shift of potassium.

Nervous system

One patient has reported episodes of vertigo lasting 36 hours each following inhalation of salmeterol. These episodes occurred several months apart during separate attempts to reinstitute therapy.

The nervous system side effects have included headache, restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, and insomnia.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included cough, paradoxical bronchospasm, and oropharyngeal irritation.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea and diarrhea.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have included rash or urticaria.

Other

Concern over the development of tachyphylaxis to the bronchodilating and bronchoprotective effects of beta-agonists has been expressed. Although conflicting data exist, the development of complete tolerance has not been reported.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.