Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of salmeterol therapy

Background: Salmeterol xinafoate is a highly selective beta(2)-adrenoceptor for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children. Objective: To review the pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacology, and therapeutic pro perties of a recently introduced, long acting antiasthmatic drug. Methods: Recent English-language publications were selected using Medline as databas e. Results: Salmeterol's pharmacokinetics, clinical pharmacology, and thera peutic properties are reviewed and aspects related to salmeterol's unusual duration of action, its high potency, beta(2)-selectivity, possible antiinf lammatory actions, its interaction with other drugs, low systemic adverse e ffects, dosage, and administration are also discussed. Conclusion: Salmeter ol is a safe long-acting beta(2)-agonist very useful for maintenance treatm ent of asthma.