Serevent is the United States brand name of salmeterol, an inhaled medication that helps you breathe better. It is prescribed for patients with severe asthma who need extra help to treat their illness or for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not used as a rescue inhaler, but rather to prevent attack symptoms. Serevent is a bronchodilator that can help with such COPD maladies as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. While effective and beneficial, Serevent can have side effects.
Serious Side Effects
Using the Serevent diskus can cause some serious side effects. You may not get any of these, but if you do, consult your doctor immediately. These include wheezing, a cough that produces mucus, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, headaches, sneezing, throat irritation, shortness of breath and a runny nose. Other serious side effects include white areas on the tongue or mouth, pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, blurred vision, a fever, appetite decrease or loss, chills, vomiting, insomnia, shivering, nausea, increases in hunger and thirst, loud breathing, a rapid heartbeat called tachycardia or a slowed heartbeat called bradycardia, weakness or tiredness that is abnormal, dizziness, tingling sensations, flu-like symptoms, dry skin that is flushed, increase in urination and pain in the muscles or joints.
Temporary Side Effects
As you get used to the medicine, Serevent may cause some temporary side effects. These will leave you as you continue the taking the inhaler. Report them to a physician if they continue or bother you. These include anxiety, an upset stomach, hives, belching, a rash on the skin that may be oozing, scaly and encrusted, indigestion, skin blisters, bodily motion difficulties, skin redness, severe headaches, pain or irritation in the eyes, spasms or cramps in the muscles, pain in the mouth, itching and swelling near the eye, including the eyelid.
Overdose Side Effects
The standard dose for children ages 4 and older and adults generally is 50mcg twice per day. If you exceed that amount, you may experience side effects from an overdose. These may include pain in the jaw, back or arms, inability to sleep, mental confusion, trembling, dizziness, shaking in the feet or hands, faintness, shaking in the legs, light-headedness, seizures, tachycardia or an irregular heartbeat or a pounding heartbeat. Seek emergency medical help for any of these.
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