Salmeterol

Long-acting bronchodilator
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Seroflo. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Keeps the airways open for many hours in asthma and COPD.

How it works

A long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) lasting about 12 hours, combined with fluticasone in asthma and COPD inhalers.

How to take it

Usually 1 or 2 puffs twice daily, every day. It is not for quick relief; keep a salbutamol inhaler for that. Never use a LABA alone for asthma.

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Tremor
  • Palpitations
  • Muscle cramps

Get medical help straight away if

  • Sudden worsening of breathing after use
  • Chest pain

Be careful

Used with a steroid inhaler for asthma, not on its own.

Other medicines and interactions

Ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin and ritonavir raise its level and heart effects. Beta blockers may block it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Can be continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding if needed; uncontrolled asthma is the bigger risk.

Combination medicines that contain Salmeterol (1)

Seroflo

Common questions

What is Salmeterol used for?

Keeps the airways open for many hours in asthma and COPD.

How does Salmeterol work?

A long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) lasting about 12 hours, combined with fluticasone in asthma and COPD inhalers.

How should I take Salmeterol?

Usually 1 or 2 puffs twice daily, every day. It is not for quick relief; keep a salbutamol inhaler for that. Never use a LABA alone for asthma.

What are the side effects of Salmeterol?

Common: Headache, tremor, palpitations, muscle cramps. Get help straight away for: Sudden worsening of breathing after use, chest pain.

Does Salmeterol interact with other medicines?

Ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin and ritonavir raise its level and heart effects. Beta blockers may block it.

Is Salmeterol safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Can be continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding if needed; uncontrolled asthma is the bigger risk.

Does Salmeterol need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Salmeterol?

Seroflo.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.