Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of salmeterol therapy.

BACKGROUND

Salmeterol xinafoate is a highly selective beta2-adrenoceptor for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children.

OBJECTIVE

To review the pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacology, and therapeutic properties of a recently introduced, long acting antiasthmatic drug.

METHODS

Recent English-language publications were selected using Medline as database.

RESULTS

Salmeterol's pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacology, and therapeutic properties are reviewed and aspects related to salmeterol's unusual duration of action, its high potency, beta2-selectivity, possible antiinflammatory actions, its interaction with other drugs, low systemic adverse effects, dosage, and administration are also discussed.

CONCLUSION

Salmeterol is a safe long-acting beta2-agonist very useful for maintenance treatment of asthma.