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Medical Advice >> Pediatric Advisor
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Bronchodilator: Long-Acting Beta2-Agonist
What are other names for this medication?
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 metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or
from a dry powder device called a Diskus. Formoterol is
inhaled from a dry powder device called an Aerolizer.
What is the usual dose?
MDI: The most common dose by an MDI is 1 or 2 puffs twice a
day. After your child takes the dose, do not let your child
take it again for at least 12 hours.
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 an MDI/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.
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