Overview
11 DESCRIPTION The active component of SEREVENT DISKUS is salmeterol xinafoate, a beta 2 -adrenergic bronchodilator. Salmeterol xinafoate is the racemic form of the 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid salt of salmeterol. It has the chemical name 4-hydroxy-α 1 -[[[6-(4-phenylbutoxy)hexyl]amino]methyl]-1,3-benzenedimethanol, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthalenecarboxylate and the following chemical structure: Salmeterol...
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Salmeterol is a selective LABA. In vitro studies show salmeterol to be at least 50 times more selective for beta 2 -adrenoceptors than albuterol. Although beta 2 -adrenoceptors are the predominant adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and beta 1 -adrenoceptors are the predominant receptors in the heart, there are also beta 2 -adrenoceptors in the human heart comprising 10% to 50% of the total beta-adrenoceptors. The precise function of these receptors has not been established, but their presence raises the possibility that even selective beta 2 -agonists may have cardiac effects.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SEREVENT DISKUS is a LABA indicated for: • Treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 years and older with an ICS. ( 1.1 ) • Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in patients aged 4 years and older. ( 1.2 ) • Maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ( 1.3 ) Important limitation of use: Not indicated for relief of acute bronchospasm. ( 1.1 , 1.3 ) 1.
Common Doses
- 50 mcg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION SEREVENT DISKUS should be administered by the orally inhaled route only. More frequent administration or a greater number of inhalations (more than 1 inhalation twice daily) is not recommended as some patients are more likely to experience adverse effects. Patients using SEREVENT DISKUS should not use additional LABA for any reason. [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 , 5.6 ).] • For oral inhalation only. ( 2 ) • Treatment of asthma in patients aged 4 years and older: 1 inhalation twice daily in addition to concomitant treatment with an ICS. ( 2.
Black Box Warning
WARNING: ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH Long-acting beta 2 -adrenergic agonists (LABA), such as salmeterol, the active ingredient in SEREVENT DISKUS, as monotherapy (without inhaled corticosteroids [ICS]) increase the risk of asthma-related death. Data from a large placebo-controlled U.S. trial that compared the safety of salmeterol with placebo added to usual asthma therapy showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in subjects receiving salmeterol (13 deaths out of 13,176 subjects treated for 28 weeks on salmeterol versus 3 deaths out of 13,179 subjects on placebo).
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Use of SEREVENT DISKUS for the treatment of asthma without concomitant use of an ICS is contraindicated [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . The use of SEREVENT DISKUS is contraindicated in the following conditions: • Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where intensive measures are required [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins or demonstrated hypersensitivity to salmeterol or any of the excipients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS LABA, including salmeterol, the active ingredient in SEREVENT DISKUS, as monotherapy (without ICS) increase the risk of asthma-related death. Data from a large 28-week placebo-controlled U.S. trial that compared the safety of salmeterol or placebo added to usual asthma therapy showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in subjects receiving salmeterol. Available data from controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA as monotherapy increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole): Use not recommended. May increase risk of cardiovascular effects. ( 7.1 ) • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants: Use with extreme caution. May potentiate effect of salmeterol on vascular system. ( 7.2 ) • Beta-blockers: Use with caution. May block bronchodilatory effects of beta-agonists and produce severe bronchospasm. ( 7.3 ) • Diuretics: Use with caution.