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Serevent Diskus (salmeterol xinafoate)

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: June 2023

Serevent Diskus (salmeterol xinafoate) is a long-acting beta2-adrenoceptor agonist (LABA) bronchodilator. It is used to prevent asthma attacks or exercise-induced bronchospasms by helping the muscles around the airways in the lungs stay relaxed.1

Serevent Diskus is an inhaler. It is part of a preventive treatment plan for bronchial asthma in people ages 4 and older. It should not be used for relief of an acute asthma attack. Serevent Diskus must be used in combination with other medicines like an inhaled corticosteroid for long-term asthma control.1

How does Serevent Diskus work?

Serevent Diskus is a preventive drug. It is not a rescue inhaler and does not provide immediate relief of acute symptoms. It helps the muscles around the airways in the lungs relax. This helps prevent asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath.1

What are the ingredients in Serevent Diskus?

The active ingredient in Serevent Diskus is salmeterol xinafoate.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Serevent Diskus include:1

  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Bronchitis
  • Flu

Serevent Diskus can also cause rare but serious side effects, including:1

  • Serious allergic reactions including rash, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and face
  • Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats
  • Tremors or nervousness
  • High blood sugar
  • Low potassium levels

These are not all the possible side effects of Serevent Diskus. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Serevent Diskus. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Serevent Diskus.

Other things to know

Do not use Serevent Diskus:1

  • To treat your asthma without an inhaled corticosteroid
  • To treat sudden, severe symptoms of asthma
  • If you are allergic to milk proteins, salmeterol xinafoate, or any of the ingredients in Serevent Diskus

Before starting treatment with Serevent Diskus, tell your doctor if you have:1

  • Heart problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Thyroid problems
  • Diabetes
  • Liver problems

There is not enough data to know if Serevent Diskus is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking Serevent Diskus, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.1

Before beginning treatment for asthma, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Serevent Diskus.

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