Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists

Serevent (salmeterol): b.i.d. dosing (morning and nite) with quick onset of action (10-20 minutes). OK for use in adults and children over 12 yrs, exercise induced asthma, systemic or inhaled anti-inflammatory steroids. Not indicated for tx of acute asthma symptoms (only indicated for chronic maintenance). Do not use Serevent in worsening or deteriorating asthma (not for life-saving activity). Do not increase dose with worsening symptoms (don’t exceed recommended dose). Usual dose is 42 micrograms every 12 hrs (aerosol). Side effects include cardiac arrhythmias, headache, tremor and nervousness. Contraindications are for those with hypersensitivity to the drug.


Foradil (formoterol): b.i.d. dosing (morning and nite) with really quick onset of action (1-3 minutes). Ok in children older than 5 yrs with COPD, and in pts with exercise-induced asthma over 12 yrs. May be used with inhaled anti-inflammatory steroids, but is not indicated for the treatment of acute asthma symptoms. The usual dose is 12 micrograms/ 12 hours (aerosol). However, Foradil must be used with supplied powder delivery system, which is hard to use. Side effects include tremor, muscle cramps, insomnia, tachycardia, hypokalemia and hyperglycemia.

Category: Pharmacology Notes