GENERIC NAME: FORMOTEROL - ORAL INHALATION POWDER (for-MOW-ter-all)
BRAND NAME(S): Foradil
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator used to open air passages in the lungs to improve breathing. It is used to prevent/minimize breathing problems in persons 5 years and older with breathing difficulties (e.g. asthma, bronchospasm). This drug is also used to prevent exercise-induced breathing difficulties (e.g. exercise-induced bronchospasm, EIB). This medication is not to be used for an acute asthma attack, nor is it a substitute for inhaled or oral corticosteroids (e.g., beclomethasone, fluticasone, prednisone). In fact, it is generally used in combination with another controller-type asthma medication (such as inhaled corticosteroids).
HOW TO USE: Formoterol is inhaled by mouth, usually one capsule via the inhaler device twice daily (morning and evening), or as directed. Formoterol must always be used with its own special inhaler device. Always discard your old inhaler device when you refill your formoterol prescription. Formoterol capsules should never be swallowed, nor should a "spacer" device be used with the inhaler. Leave the capsule sealed in the foil packet until just before use. Be sure to inhale rapidly and deeply through the mouthpiece when using this drug. Learn the proper use of formoterol, and carefully read the patient instruction sheet that comes with the product. Consult your pharmacist for more details. When formoterol is being used to prevent exercise-induced breathing problems (EIB), it should be used at least 15 minutes before exercising. Do not use additional doses of formoterol for the next 12 hours. If you are already using formoterol twice daily, do not use additional doses for EIB. Make sure that you understand when to use this medication in relation to other asthma medications you may be using. For example, acute asthma attacks should still be treated with short- acting bronchodilators such as albuterol. Your asthma must be stable (i.e., not acutely worsening) before starting treatment with formoterol; consult your doctor. Excessive use of formoterol may result in a decrease in drug effectiveness and an increase in serious side effects. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Do not stop or decrease the dose of other asthma medications (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids such as beclomethasone) without your doctor's approval. Short-acting bronchodilators you are using on a regular schedule every day (such as every six hours) should be stopped while using this drug. Seek immediate medical attention if your asthma worsens. Signs of worsening asthma include: usual doses of your asthma medications no longer control symptoms; the short-acting (quick-relief) inhaler is less effective; you need to use the short-acting inhaler more often than usual (e.g., use of more than 4 puffs per day or more than 1 inhaler every 8 weeks). Do not increase your dose of formoterol in this situation. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor immediately if this medication stops working well.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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