Serevent

A healthcare provider may prescribe Serevent to treat airway spasms caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While the medicine cannot be used to treat or cure asthma, it can be taken twice a day to help prevent asthma attacks from occurring. Using the drug 30 minutes before exercising can also help prevent exercise-induced asthma attacks. Side effects of Serevent may include headaches, nasal or sinus congestion, and a sore throat.

 

What Is Serevent?

Serevent® (salmeterol xinafoate) is a prescription medication used to treat airway spasms (called bronchospasms) caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Serevent is also approved to prevent exercise-induced asthma attacks.
 
(Click Serevent Uses for more information on what Serevent is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Serevent?

Serevent is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
 

How Does Serevent Work?

Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. During an asthma attack, however, the muscles around these airways tighten. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe. This is called bronchospasm.
 
Serevent is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles around airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs. Serevent is a long-acting beta agonist. Because it does not work as quickly as short-acting beta agonists, it should not be used for treating an asthma attack. Rather, it is used twice a day in order to prevent attacks.
 
Serevent also has some effects on decreasing the activity of mast cells in the lungs, which play an important role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;