Salmeterol

Salmeterol is a long-acting β₂-adrenergic agonist that relaxes airway smooth muscle. It is used for maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, not for immediate relief.

β₂-Adrenergic receptor: A G-protein-coupled receptor whose activation relaxes airway smooth muscle and affects other tissues. Salmeterol activates this receptor to produce bronchodilation.
Asthma: A chronic inflammatory airway disease marked by variable respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Salmeterol is used for maintenance control, alongside inhaled corticosteroid therapy.
Salbutamol: A short-acting β₂-adrenergic agonist used for rapid relief of bronchospasm. Unlike salmeterol, salbutamol is used for quick symptom relief.
Inhaler: A device that delivers medicine as an aerosol or powder for inhalation. Salmeterol reaches the airways through inhaled formulations.
SMART trial: A large clinical trial that examined salmeterol use in asthma and reported increased asthma-related deaths in the studied population. Its safety signal influenced warnings and restrictions on salmeterol use in asthma.
Gs alpha subunit: A stimulatory G-protein subunit that activates adenylyl cyclase after receptor signaling. β₂-receptor activation by salmeterol signals through this protein.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A progressive lung disease characterized by persistent airflow obstruction, commonly associated with smoking or harmful exposures. Salmeterol can provide sustained bronchodilation for COPD symptoms.
Formoterol: A long-acting β₂-adrenergic agonist with a faster onset of bronchodilation than salmeterol. Its faster onset makes formoterol suitable for some reliever regimens that salmeterol cannot serve.
Fluticasone: A synthetic corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in asthma and other conditions. It is a common partner drug in salmeterol combination inhalers.
LABA monotherapy: Treatment with a long-acting β₂-agonist without an accompanying inhaled corticosteroid in asthma. Salmeterol alone is not recommended for asthma because it does not treat underlying inflammation and carries safety concerns.

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