EasyClinic Drug Reference

Indian clinical drug database

Start Free Trial

All Drugs

Bronchodilator · Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA)

Salmeterol (Salmeterol Xinafoate)

Also sold as: Seretide, Salapin, Salmolin

Pregnancy

Cat C

Lactation

Safe

Schedule

Forms

Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) 25mcg, 50mcg +1

Indications

Chronic asthma maintenance
COPD maintenance
Nocturnal asthma
Exercise-induced asthma prophylaxis
MUST be used with ICS (not monotherapy)

Adult Dosing

Chronic asthma with ICS

50 mcg (2 puffs / 1 DPI inhalation) BD

Twice daily, regular

COPD maintenance

50 mcg BD

Twice daily

Exercise-induced asthma prevention

50 mcg 15 min before exercise

Single dose before activity

Maximum daily dose: 100 mcg/day (50 mcg BD)

Pediatric Dosing

Age Range: >4-6 years (usually as combo with ICS)

Dose: Not weight-based; use 25 or 50 mcg DPI based on age/control

Max/day: 100 mcg/day (50 mcg BD)

Always use with ICS; DPI preferred for children >6 years

Calculate exact mL by weight →

Renal Dose Adjustment

CrCl / eGFR	Dose Adjustment
CrCl any level	No adjustment required

Calculate eGFR / CrCl →

Hepatic Adjustment

No adjustment required

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Category C

Safe in pregnancy; use with ICS if asthma control needed.

Lactation: Safe

Compatible with breastfeeding.

Top Drug Interactions

Interacting Drug	Effect	Severity
Beta-blockers	Reduced efficacy	Major
MAOIs	Enhanced cardiovascular effects	Major
Tricyclic antidepressants	Additive sympathomimetic effects	Moderate

DoctorScribe — AI Medical Scribe

Stop looking up Salmeterol — just speak the prescription

"Salmeterol as per dose, BD for 5 days." DoctorScribe writes the full prescription with brand, strength, frequency, and route — auto-applies pediatric weight-based dosing and renal adjustments. Try the live demo.

Try DoctorScribe Demo →Start Free Trial

Side Effects

Common

Tremor
Headache
Palpitations
Nervousness
Muscle cramps
Pharyngitis

Serious / Discontinue If

Hypokalemia
Tachycardia / arrhythmias
Hypertension
Paradoxical bronchospasm
Increased asthma death risk (LABA monotherapy alone)

Contraindications

LABA monotherapy without ICS
Acute asthma attack (use SABA instead)
Hypersensitivity
Status asthmaticus

Available Indian Brands

Brand	Manufacturer	Price (approx)
Seretide 50/250 mcg DPI	GSK (ICS+LABA combo)	60 doses ₹580
Salapin 50 mcg inhaler	Cipla	60 doses ₹320
Salmolin 25/50 mcg	Intas	60 doses ₹280

Monitoring Required

Asthma control (ACQ/ACT score)
Peak flow
Exacerbation frequency
Compliance with ICS (critical)
Heart rate/BP in high-dose

Patient Counseling Points

MUST use regular ICS alongside salmeterol (LABA alone increases asthma death risk)
Not for acute attacks; use fast-acting SABA (albuterol) instead
Take regularly twice daily, even when feeling well
DPI requires proper inhalation technique; check regularly
Rinse mouth after use to prevent candidiasis

Stop Googling drug references mid-consultation

EasyClinic auto-flags Salmeterol interactions, renal cutoffs, and pregnancy warnings the moment you write the prescription. Built-in safety net for every Indian doctor.

Start 7-Day Free Trial

Clinically reviewed by: Dr. Neha Patel, MD (Respiratory Medicine), Asthma Educator

Last reviewed: 2026-04-15

References

BNF — Salmeterol
GINA 2024 Asthma Guidelines
FDA LABA Black Box Warning

Disclaimer: This information is for clinical reference only. It is not exhaustive and does not substitute clinical judgement. Always verify current dosing against the manufacturer's prescribing information and current treatment guidelines. Drug prices are approximate and may vary.