Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
Formoterol is used to treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It also is used to prevent breathing difficulties (bronchospasm) during exercise. Formoterol is in a class of medications called long-acting beta agonists. It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Formoterol comes as a powder-filled capsule to inhale by mouth using a special inhaler. For the treatment of asthma and COPD, formoterol is usually inhaled twice a day. For the prevention of breathing difficulties during exercise, formoterol is inhaled 15 minutes before exercise. After inhaling formoterol, do not use another dose for 12 hours. To help you remember to use formoterol, use it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use formoterol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not use formoterol during an attack of asthma or COPD. Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting inhaler to use during attacks. If you are using formoterol twice a day, do not use another dose before exercising.
Formoterol controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Do not stop using formoterol without talking to your doctor.
Before you use the formoterol inhaler the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to show you how to use it. Practice using the inhaler while he or she watches.
To use the inhaler, follow these steps:
Formoterol capsules should only be used with the special inhaler and should not be taken by mouth. Store capsules in the package and remove them immediately before use. Avoid exposing the capsules to moisture, and handle them with dry hands.
Do not use the dry powder inhaler with a spacer. Do not exhale into the device. Keep the inhaler dry; do not wash it. Always use the new inhaler that comes with a refill of your medication.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before taking formoterol,
Talk to your doctor about drinking beverages that contain caffeine while taking this medicine.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Formoterol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Formoterol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and 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. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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.
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
If your asthma symptoms become worse, if formoterol inhalation becomes less effective, or if you need more doses than usual of a short-acting beta agonist, your asthma may be getting worse. Call your doctor.
If your sputum (the matter you cough up during an asthma attack) thickens or changes color from clear white to yellow, green, or gray, call your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection.
To relieve dry mouth or throat irritation caused by formoterol inhalation, rinse your mouth with water, chew gum, or suck sugarless hard candy after using formoterol.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Last Revised - 01/01/2003
The MedMaster Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |