Salmeterol is not to be used for treatment of acute symptoms or exacerbations.
Patient education regarding correct use of salmeterol is critical.
Patients should be instructed not to stop anti-inflammatory therapy while taking salmeterol even though their symptoms may significantly improve. Lotvall et al. However, the bronchoprotective effect over time, although diminished, was still significantly greater than placebo. There are ongoing longitudinal studies to determine if there might be risk for special populations. The potential for patients to incorrectly use salmeterol as a quick-relief medication warrants special attention by the clinician and appropriate patient education.