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Salmeterol (DISKUS)
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, causing relaxation and bronchodilation.
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, causing relaxation and bronchodilation. Used for Asthma maintenance therapy, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance therapy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Salmeterol (DISKUS) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | formoterol (TURBOHALER) |
| Sponsor | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Drug class | Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) |
| Target | Beta-2 adrenergic receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Salmeterol activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle cells, triggering a cascade that increases intracellular cAMP and leads to smooth muscle relaxation and airway opening. Its long-acting formulation (12-hour duration) is achieved through its lipophilic properties, which allow depot formation in airway tissues and sustained receptor activation. It is used primarily for maintenance therapy in asthma and COPD, typically in combination with inhaled corticosteroids.
Approved indications
- Asthma maintenance therapy
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance therapy
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Muscle cramps
- Nervousness
Key clinical trials
- Study of Inhaled Glucocorticosteroids/Long-Acting Bronchodilator Drugs in Subjects With Asthma That Have Been Taking Inhaled Glucocorticosteroids (Study P04705AM1) (PHASE3)
- Study to Assess the Incidence of Local Oropharyngeal and Laryngeal Adverse Effects of Advair DISKUS 250/50 mcg BID (PHASE4)
- Single Dose Study of the Fluticasone/Salmeterol (500/50 μg) Administered With Elpenhaler® Versus Diskus® (PHASE3)
- Mechanism(s) of Airflow Limitation During Exacerbation of Asthma (PHASE4)
- Bioequivalence Study for Fluticasone Propionate 500 mcg/Salmeterol Xinafoate 50 mcg Inhalation Powder in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
- Bioequivalence Study for Fluticasone Propionate 250 mcg/Salmeterol Xinafoate 50 mcg Inhalation Powder in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
- Bioequivalence Study for Fluticasone Propionate 100 mcg/Salmeterol Xinafoate 50 mcg Inhalation Powder in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
- Bioequivalence With Clinical Endpoint Study of Fluticasone Propionate 100 mcg and Salmeterol 50 mcg Inhalation Powder/Respirent Pharmaceuticals vs. ADVAIR DISKUS® 100/50 mcg Inhalation Powder/GSK in Patients With Asthma (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Salmeterol (DISKUS) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Salmeterol (DISKUS) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- GlaxoSmithKline portfolio CI