Formoterol inhalation

Generic name: Formoterol (inhalation)
Dosage form: inhalation solution (20 mcg/2 mL)
Drug class: Adrenergic bronchodilators

Usage of Formoterol inhalation

Formoterol inhalation is used to control the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Formoterol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Formoterol inhalation side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Formoterol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

tremors, nervousness, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;

wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using formoterol;

worsening breathing problems;

high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects of formoterol may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

nervousness, trouble sleeping;

headache;

dizziness;

tremor;

tiredness;

muscle cramps; or

dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Formoterol inhalation

You should not use formoterol if you are allergic to it. Formoterol is for use only in people with COPD and should not be used to treat asthma.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease, high blood pressure;

a seizure;

diabetes;

liver disease; or

a thyroid disorder.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Formoterol inhalation is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Formoterol inhalation

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Using too much of formoterol can cause life-threatening side effects.

Formoterol is not a rescue medicine for bronchospasm attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

Formoterol solution for inhalation is for use only with a standard jet nebulizer machine connected to an air compressor. Do not mix formoterol with other medicines in the nebulizer.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Store this medicine in the refrigerator, protected from light and heat.

Keep each vial in the foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine. Once a vial is opened, you must use the medicine right away. Throw the empty vial away where children and pets cannot get to it.

You may store an unopened foil pouch at room temperature but you must use it within 3 months or throw it away.

Do not use formoterol if it does not look clear and colorless in the vial. Do not use after the expiration date on the label has passed.

You should not stop using formoterol suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Warnings

Formoterol is for use only in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and should not be used to treat asthma.

Formoterol is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat a bronchospasm attack.

Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

What other drugs will affect Formoterol inhalation

If you also use a short-acting bronchodilator, do not use it daily while you are using formoterol. Use the short-acting bronchodilator only for a sudden bronchospasm attack.

Other drugs may affect formoterol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.