Formoterol, Oral
Bronchodilator & Anti-asthma Preps: Orals/Parenterals · Beta-2 agonist
Indications
Reversible airways obstruction (including nocturnal asthma).
Dosage
Adults: 80 mcg twice daily. Children: 4 mcg/kg daily in 2-3 divided doses, max 160 mcg/day.
Adverse Effects
Headache, palpitations, hypersensitivity reactions, tremor, cardiac arrhythmias, myalgia, arthralgia, muscle cramp, dizziness, nausea, hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia, oropharyngeal irritation, tachycardia, sleep disturbances, agitation.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Precautions: Pulmonary tuberculosis, severe cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, hypokalaemia, thyrotoxicosis. Paradoxical bronchospasm; discontinue immediately. Prolonged treatment with high doses increases risk of adrenal suppression and systemic effects; monitor adrenal function. Monitor height of children on prolonged therapy. Consider additional steroid therapy during stress or surgery. Withdraw gradually.
Interactions
Beta-blockers, corticosteroids, diuretics, xanthines, sympathomimetics, MAOIs, TCADs, drugs known to prolong QT interval, anaesthetics, anticholinergics, macrolides.
Advice to Patient
Do not swallow capsules. This medication is used in inhaler. Do not use more than prescribed. Do not take out capsules from blister until ready to use. Contact prescriber if there is dizziness, nervousness, unrelieved abdominal discomfort, chest pain, palpitations, muscle cramps, unusual cough, skin rash or if there is worsening of condition. Empty bladder before taking medication. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. Carry identification card mentioning your medical condition and names of medicines you take. Never wash the inhaler, keep it dry.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset of action: Powd for inhalation: Within 3 mins. Peak effect: Powd for inhalation: 80% of peak effect within 15 mins; Soln for nebulization: 2 hrs. Duration: Improvement in FEV1 observed for 12 hrs in most patients. Absorption: Rapidly into plasma. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: Powd: Approx. 10-14 hrs; Nebulized soln: Approx. 7 hrs. Time to peak: Max improvement in FEV1 in 1-3 hrs. Excretion: Children 5-12 yrs: Urine (7%-9% as direct glucuronide metabolites, 6% as unchanged drug). Adults: Urine (15%-18% as direct glucuronide metabolites, 2%-10% as unchanged drug).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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