SALMETEROL, 25mcg/puff, 120 puffs, aerosol
Valid Article
SALMETEROL aerosol
- In the WHO list of Essential Medicines 2025 (budesonide + salmeterol only)
Therapeutic Action
Inhaled long-acting beta2 agonist (LABA) bronchodilator.
After inhalation, it causes bronchodilation beginning 15 minutes after and lasting for about 12 hrs.
Indications
Maintenance treatment of chronic asthma following treatment with inhaled short-acting beta2 agonist (salbutamol).
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), following treatment with inhaled short-acting beta2 agonist (salbutamol).
Persistent moderate or severe asthma in children in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid.
To be administered in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid (e.g. beclometasone) for all indications.
Instructions for use
Suspension or solution in a Pressurised Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI): a small canister containing a mixture of medicine and a pressurised propellant. The pressure from the propellant delivers the medicine when the canister is pushed down into the boot/actuator.
Method of administration:
- Shake the inhaler and ensure that the liquid can be heard moving inside. Remove the mouthpiece cover.
- Inhale fully, then exhale as completely as possible.
- Place the lips firmly around the mouthpiece..
- Start to inhale with a long, slow breath and continue breathing while activating the inhaler (puff).
- Remove the inhaler, close the lips and hold the breath for 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable.
- Exhale slowly, wait a few seconds, shake the inhaler again and repeat for the next puff, if required.
Manufacturers may express the content per puff as either:
- in metered dose: the quantity of medicine in the device metering chamber, excluding the valve
- in delivered dose: the quantity of medicine delivered to the user, excluding the mouthpiece.
- Always refer to the product leaflet.
The inhalers generally supplied by MSF are pressurised metered-dose inhalers (MDI). Refer to the information leaflet for appropriate instructions for use, according to the inhaler model.
The pressurised metered-dose inhalers are CFC free. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are harmful to the ozone layer. Instead these inhalers use HFA (hydrofluoroalkane) propellants. which are a more effective and environmentally friendly alternative.
Precautions for Use
Never administer alone. To be used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid.
Do not use for the treatment of an acute asthma attack.
In children, use an inhalation chamber/spacer with or without a mask (depending on the child's age) for every administration of a pressurised metered-dose inhaler.
In patients who have difficulty coordinating the actuation on the metered-dose inhaler and inhalation (e.g elderly patients), use an inhalation chamber/spacer to facilitate administration and improve the effectiveness of the product.
Only use the mouthpiece supplied with the inhaler. Do not substitute it with any other mouthpiece.
Transport Dangerous Goods
UN transport code:
- UN 1950 - Aerosols, non-flammable (each not exceeding 1 L capacity)
- Transport Class 2.2 - Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
Transport is only regulated for large quantities of aerosols.
Storage
- Below 25ºC - Protect from sunlight
- Used aerosols: do not pierce or incinerate. Empty any residual gas before disposal. Dispose of by burying.