Serevent Diskus (salmeterol xinafoate inhalation powder)

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: August 2021 | Last updated: October 2022

Serevent Diskus is an inhaled medicine and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). Serevent Diskus is a long-term maintenance treatment for COPD. It should not be used as a rescue medicine for treating sudden breathing problems.1

What are the ingredients in Serevent Diskus?

The active ingredient in Serevent Diskus is salmeterol xinafoate.1

How does Serevent Diskus work?

LABA medicines like Serevent Diskus help the muscles around the airways in the lungs stay relaxed. This prevents symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.1

What are the possible side effects of Serevent Diskus?

The most common side effects of Serevent Diskus include:1

  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Muscle pain
  • Respiratory infection
  • Throat irritation

Serevent Diskus may also cause serious side effects, including:1

  • Allergic reactions like rash, hives, or breathing problems
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Tremors
  • High blood sugar
  • Low potassium levels

If your breathing problems quickly worsen after taking Serevent Diskus, contact 9-1-1 right away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Serevent Diskus. Talk to your doctor about what to expect or if you experience any changes that concern you during treatment with Serevent Diskus.

Things to know about Serevent Diskus

Do not use Serevent Diskus if you are allergic to milk proteins, salmeterol xinafoate, or any of the other ingredients in this drug.1

People with asthma who take LABA medicines like salmeterol (one of the active ingredients in Serevent Diskus) have an increased risk of death from asthma problems if they take LABAs without also using a medicine called an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).1

Before using 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 this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.1

Serevent Diskus may interact with other medicines. Before beginning treatment for COPD, 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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