salmeterol
a SYMPATHOMIMETIC drug used as a BRONCHODILATOR to treat severe asthma. It is administered by metered-dose aerosol inhaler. Possible side-effects include a paradoxical worsening of the condition and a lowering of the blood potassium level.
Salmeterol is used to control wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It is also used along with an inhaled steroid medication to control wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness and in adults and children 4 years of age and older with asthma. It is also is used to prevent bronchospasm (breathing difficulties) during exercise in adults and children 4 years of age and older. Salmeterol is in a class of medications called long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking salmeterol affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether salmeterol can make it harder to get pregnant. Anyone with questions or concerns about fertility while using this medication should talk with their healthcare provider.
Does taking salmeterol increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can happen in any pregnancy for many different reasons. The fact sheet notes that studies have not been done to see whether salmeterol can increase the chance of miscarriage, so this is a question to discuss with a healthcare provider.
Does taking salmeterol increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect in the general population. It has been reported that a small number of studies do not suggest an increased chance of birth defects with inhaled salmeterol use in pregnancy, and notes that very little of the inhaled drug reaches the blood and even less is expected to reach the developing fetus. Individual circumstances should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking salmeterol during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
The fact sheet states that small studies have not suggested higher rates of preterm delivery or low birth weight with salmeterol use during pregnancy. It also notes that poorly controlled asthma itself can increase the chance of pregnancy complications, so treatment decisions are best made together with a healthcare provider.
Can taking salmeterol during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
According to the fact sheet, studies have not been done to see whether salmeterol can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. This is a topic to raise with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking salmeterol?
The fact sheet notes that studies have not specifically looked at salmeterol use during breastfeeding, but because very little of the inhaled drug enters the bloodstream, it is not expected to pass into breastmilk in large amounts. It also notes that using inhaled bronchodilators is usually considered compatible with breastfeeding, and recommends discussing any breastfeeding questions with a healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
salmeterol