What It Is
Salmeterol belongs to a class of medicines called long-acting beta-2 agonists, or LABAs. It is used as an inhaler, usually together with an inhaled corticosteroid such as fluticasone.
What It's Used For
Salmeterol is generally used for long-term control of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), helping prevent wheezing, chest tightness, and night-time symptoms. It is not used for sudden attacks, because it takes longer to start working than a quick-relief inhaler.
How It Works
Salmeterol stimulates beta-2 receptors in the airways, which relaxes the surrounding muscles and keeps the airways open. Its effect begins within about 15 to 20 minutes and lasts around 12 hours, so it is taken twice a day.
History and Regulatory Status
Salmeterol was developed in the 1980s and came into medical use in 1990. It is available as a prescription medicine, mainly in combination inhalers. As with other long-acting beta-2 agonists, it should not be used alone for asthma, and a separate quick-relief inhaler is still needed.