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Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator employed as a maintenance therapy to prevent or reduce wheezing and breathing difficulties associated with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is intended for long-term use only if your asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled despite other asthma medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids. Formoterol should never be used as a standalone treatment for asthma. Its mechanism of action involves relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways, facilitating their opening and thereby promoting easier breathing.
Uses and Dosage
Formoterol is supplied in capsule form. These capsules should not be swallowed. Instead, the contents should be inhaled through the mouth using the provided inhaler device, following your doctor’s instructions. Typically, one capsule is inhaled twice daily, with doses spaced approximately 12 hours apart.
Use the specific inhaler device designed for formoterol, which should be replaced with each refill. Old inhaler devices should be discarded, and the use of a spacer device with the inhaler is not recommended.
Keep the capsule sealed in the foil packet until just before use. Before handling the capsules, wash and thoroughly dry your hands. When using the inhaler, inhale rapidly and deeply through the mouthpiece. After each use, check that the capsule is empty; if not, repeat the process. Do not exhale into the inhaler.
If formoterol is being used to prevent exercise-induced breathing problems, it should be administered at least 15 minutes before exercise. Additional doses should not be taken for the next 12 hours if already using formoterol twice daily.
Your asthma should be stable before starting treatment with formoterol. Consult your doctor for further guidance.
If using other inhalers simultaneously, wait at least 1 minute between using each medication. Be sure to understand which inhalers are to be used daily for control and which are for quick relief in case of sudden worsened breathing. Consult your doctor regarding appropriate actions to take in case of new or worsening symptoms.
Using formoterol excessively or too frequently may reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of serious side effects.
Stick to the recommended dosage and frequency prescribed by your doctor. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice reduced effectiveness. Do not alter the dose or discontinue other asthma medications without consulting your doctor. If using short-acting bronchodilators regularly on a set schedule, they should be discontinued while using formoterol.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- nervousness
- headache
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- dry mouth
- muscle cramps
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- extreme tiredness
- dizziness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- stuffed or runny nose
- sore throat
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- hives
- rash
- itching
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- fainting
Caution
- Before taking formoterol, it’s important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you have, especially if you’re allergic to similar bronchodilators like albuterol, arformoterol, metaproterenol, or salmeterol, or to sympathomimetic drugs such as epinephrine or pseudoephedrine. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or other issues, so discuss any concerns with your pharmacist.
- Before using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), seizures, diabetes, metabolism problems like ketoacidosis, swelling of an artery (aneurysm), or a certain adrenal gland tumor called pheochromocytoma.
- Formoterol may cause a heart rhythm condition called QT prolongation, which can lead to serious, even fatal, irregular heartbeat. The risk of QT prolongation may be higher if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that can also cause QT prolongation. Before using formoterol, inform your doctor of all the medications you’re taking and if you have certain heart problems or a family history of such problems.
- Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood can also increase the risk of QT prolongation, especially if you’re using certain drugs like diuretics or if you experience conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Discuss the safe use of formoterol with your doctor in these cases.
- This medication may cause dizziness. Avoid driving, using machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you know how it affects you. Limit alcohol consumption, and talk to your doctor if you use marijuana.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, particularly QT prolongation.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only if clearly needed, after discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It’s uncertain whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Foradil Inhaler is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Foradil Inhaler inhaler/capsules:
- 12 mcg
- formoterol inhaler/capsules:
- 12 mcg
FAQ
Is Foradil Inhaler a steroid?
Foradil Inhaler isn’t a steroid. It belongs to the drug class called long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), which works by relaxing the muscles that let air into your lungs.
Can you use Foradil Inhaler and an albuterol inhaler?
Using albuterol together with Foradil Inhaler might put you at higher risk for heart side effects, such as raising your heart rate and blood pressure or changing your heart’s rhythm.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/perforomist/what-is#faqs
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/formoterol-inhalation-route/description/drg-20068933
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a602023.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-20800/foradil-aerolizer-inhalation/details
- https://www.drugs.com/foradil.html
