salmeterol, a sympathomimetic, long-acting bronchodilator. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the maintenance treatment of reversible bronchospasm associated with asthma (including nocturnal asthma) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and to prevent exercise-induced asthma. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It should not be given to patients with allergy to any component of the drug formulation, when patients need a fast-onset inhaled beta-2 agonist for bronchodilation, or when patients have used MAO inhibitors within the past 2 weeks. The frequency of salmeterol administration should not be increased. Caution must be used when salmeterol is administrated to patients with conditions that have the potential to be exacerbated by sympathomimetic amines, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, prostatic hyperplasia, convulsions, thyrotoxicosis, and narrow-angle glaucoma. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: The side effects most often reported include changes in heart rhythm, muscle cramps or stiffness, parkinsonian-like symptoms, pallor, sweating, hives, and tingling of the skin.
