What it means
A long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA). It relaxes the muscles around the airways for about 12 hours. It is a controller drug for long-term use, not a rescue inhaler, because it starts working too slowly to stop an attack. In asthma it is always used together with an inhaled corticosteroid, often in one inhaler with fluticasone (Advair).
For the nurse
Teach the client to use a short-acting rescue inhaler, such as albuterol, for sudden symptoms, and to report needing it more often. Side effects can include a fast heartbeat, shakiness and headache. Show how to use the dry-powder inhaler: breathe out away from it, then breathe in fast and deep.
At a glance
| Drug class | long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Serevent Diskus; with fluticasone: Advair |
| Spanish | salmeterol |
| Also written | Serevent |
Related terms
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.
inhalation
Breathing in; also, a way of giving a drug as a mist or powder that is breathed into the lungs.
theophylline
A bronchodilator taken by mouth that relaxes and opens the airways, used long term for asthma and COPD.
montelukast
A tablet that blocks leukotrienes, chemicals that narrow and inflame the airways, used to prevent asthma symptoms and ease allergies.