Why it is Prescribed
Formoterol is used to treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of lung diseases, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It also is used to prevent breathing difficulties (bronchospasm) during exercise. Formoterol is in a class of medications called long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Important Warning
In a large clinical study, more patients who used an asthma medication similar to formoterol died of asthma problems than patients who did not use the medication. If you have asthma, use of formoterol may increase the chance that you will experience serious or fatal asthma problems. Your doctor will only ...
Keep reading...
Why it is Prescribed
Formoterol is used to treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of lung diseases, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It also is used to prevent breathing difficulties (bronchospasm) during exercise. Formoterol is in a class of medications called long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Important Warning
In a large clinical study, more patients who used an asthma medication similar to formoterol died of asthma problems than patients who did not use the medication. If you have asthma, use of formoterol may increase the chance that you will experience serious or fatal asthma problems. Your doctor will only prescribe formoterol if other medications have not controlled your asthma or if your asthma is so severe that two medications are needed to control it. Formoterol should not be the first or the only medication that you use to treat your asthma.
Do not use formoterol if you have asthma that is quickly getting worse. Tell your doctor if you have had many severe asthma attacks or if you have ever been hospitalized because of asthma symptoms. If you have any of the following signs of worsening asthma, call your doctor immediately:
Keep reading...
Brand Names
Foradil ® Aerolizer ® Inhaler
How it Works
Formoterol comes as a powder-filled capsule to inhale by mouth using a special inhaler. If you are using formoterol to treat asthma and COPD, you will probably inhale it twice a day in the morning and the evening. Always inhale your next dose of formoterol 12 hours after you inhaled your last dose and try to inhale formoterol at about the same times every day. If you are using formoterol to prevent breathing difficulties during exercise, you will probably inhale it at least 15 minutes before exercise, but not more often than once in 12 hours. If you are using formoterol twice a day on a regular basis, do not use an additional dose before exercising. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part ...
Keep reading...
Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
Keep reading...
Precautions
Before using formoterol,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to formoterol, any other medications, or milk proteins.
tell your doctor if you use another LABA such as fluticasone and salmeterol combination (Advair) or salmeterol (Serevent). These medications should not be used with formoterol. Your doctor will tell you which medication you should use and which medication you should stop using.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: aminophylline (Truphylline); amiodarone (Cordarone); antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil); beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), ...
Keep reading...
Possible Side Effects
Formoterol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Keep reading...
Special Dietary Concerns
Talk to your doctor about drinking beverages that contain caffeine while using this medicine.
Storage Conditions
Keep sealed in their blister cards until you are ready to use them. Keep this medication out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed, and throw away your old inhaler each time you refill your prescription. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
