What Is Serevent? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Serevent Diskus is a prescription inhaler used to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its active ingredient, salmeterol, is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) that opens airways for up to 12 hours. Here's everything you need to know about Serevent in plain language.

What Is Serevent Diskus?

Serevent Diskus is the brand name for salmeterol xinafoate inhalation powder. It's made by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and was first approved by the FDA in 1994. It's delivered through a Diskus dry powder inhaler — a breath-activated device that doesn't require the coordination of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI).

Each inhalation delivers 50 mcg of salmeterol. Serevent is not a rescue inhaler — it doesn't work fast enough for acute asthma or COPD attacks. It's a maintenance medication, meaning it's taken daily to prevent breathing problems, not to treat them once they start.

What Is Serevent Used For?

The FDA has approved Serevent Diskus for three main indications:

Asthma maintenance (ages 4+): Used as add-on therapy in patients with asthma who are inadequately controlled on a low- or medium-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Serevent must ALWAYS be used with an ICS for asthma — never alone.

COPD maintenance (adults): Used to prevent bronchospasm and maintain airway patency in patients with chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Can be used without an ICS for COPD.

Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) prevention (ages 4+): One inhalation taken at least 30 minutes before exercise. Protection can last up to 9 hours in adults and adolescents, and up to 12 hours in children ages 4–11.

How to Use Serevent Diskus

Serevent Diskus delivers dry powder through inhalation. Here's how to use it correctly:

Hold the Diskus in a level, flat position. Open by sliding the lever until it clicks.

Breathe out fully away from the mouthpiece.

Put your lips around the mouthpiece and inhale quickly and deeply.

Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.

Close the Diskus by sliding the lever back. Rinse your mouth with water and spit — do not swallow.

Dosage Information

Asthma (adults and children 4+): 1 inhalation (50 mcg) twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. Must be used with an ICS.

COPD (adults): 1 inhalation (50 mcg) twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.

EIB prevention (adults and children 4+): 1 inhalation (50 mcg) at least 30 minutes before exercise. Do not use another dose for 12 hours. Do not use if already taking Serevent twice daily.

Maximum dose: Never more than 1 inhalation twice daily. Exceeding the dose increases the risk of serious cardiac side effects.

Is Serevent a Controlled Substance?

No. Serevent Diskus is not a controlled substance. It does not appear on the DEA schedule and has no restrictions regarding how many refills you can have.

How Much Does Serevent Cost?

Serevent Diskus has no generic version as of 2026, making it one of the more expensive inhalers on the market. Retail cash price is approximately $420–$557 per 60-inhalation inhaler (roughly a 30-day supply at twice-daily dosing).

However, cost-saving options are available: the GSK $35/month coupon (commercially insured), GSK Access Patient Assistance Program (uninsured/underinsured), and discount cards like GoodRx (~$406) and SingleCare (~$378).

Key Things to Remember

Never use Serevent as a rescue inhaler — always have albuterol on hand for emergencies

For asthma: always use with an ICS — Serevent alone increases risk of asthma-related death

Contains milk proteins (lactose) — patients with severe milk protein allergy should not use this product

Discard Serevent Diskus 6 weeks after opening the foil pouch, even if doses remain

Store at room temperature (59–86°F); do not freeze or refrigerate

Want to understand exactly how salmeterol opens your airways? See our deep dive: How Does Serevent Work?. And if you're having trouble finding Serevent at your pharmacy, medfinder can help locate it near you.