Indications
Formoterol Fumarate is a long-acting inhaled bronchodilator (a medicine that opens the airways). It is used:
- For regular, long-term treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to ease breathlessness.
- In asthma, only together with an inhaled corticosteroid (steroid preventer), for people whose asthma is not controlled by the steroid alone. It is often supplied in combination inhalers with a steroid such as Budesonide.
How It Works
Formoterol relaxes the muscles around the airways, so they open up and breathing becomes easier. Its effect starts within a few minutes and lasts about 12 hours.
Dosage and Administration
- COPD, adults: usually 12 mcg inhaled twice a day, morning and evening.
- Asthma, adults: usually 12 mcg inhaled twice a day, always with an inhaled steroid. The doctor may prescribe up to 24 mcg twice a day in some cases.
- Children: only as prescribed.
Inhalation capsules are for use in the inhaler device only and must not be swallowed. Learn the correct inhaler technique from a doctor or pharmacist. Do not use more than prescribed.
Interactions
Beta blockers, including Propranolol, Atenolol and eye drops such as Timolol, can block its effect and may worsen breathing. Theophylline, steroids and diuretics can lower blood potassium together with formoterol. Take care with medicines that affect heart rhythm, and with Amitriptyline-type antidepressants and MAO inhibitors. Do not use with another long-acting bronchodilator of the same type, such as Salmeterol.
Contraindications
- Allergy to formoterol or any ingredient of the product. Some inhalation capsules contain lactose, which may contain traces of milk protein.
- Use alone (without an inhaled steroid) for asthma.
Side Effects
Common: tremor (shaky hands), headache, a pounding or fast heartbeat, muscle cramps, and nervousness. These often ease with continued use.
Get urgent medical help if breathing suddenly gets worse right after inhaling, for chest pain, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face or throat, or if asthma or COPD symptoms are getting worse and your reliever does not help.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding only if a doctor decides it is needed. Poorly controlled asthma is itself a risk to mother and baby, so do not stop treatment without advice.
Precautions and Warnings
- It is not for sudden attacks; always carry a quick-relief inhaler such as Salbutamol.
- In asthma, never use it without an inhaled steroid, and do not stop the steroid when you start it.
- Use with care in heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, diabetes (it can raise blood sugar) and low potassium.
- See a doctor if you need your reliever more often than usual.
Overdose
Overdose may cause severe tremor, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, low blood potassium, high blood sugar, nausea and dizziness. Get urgent medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Long-acting beta-2 agonist (bronchodilator).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep inhalation capsules in the blister until just before use. Keep out of reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.