Formoterol Information
Pronunciation
for MOH te rol
What is this drug used for?
All inhaler products:
• It is used to treat asthma.
• It is used to prevent breathing problems that happen with exercise.
Liquid for breathing in:
• It is used to treat COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
• This drug is not approved to treat asthma. Talk with your doctor.
All products:
• This drug is not to be used to treat intense flare-ups of shortness of breath. Use a rescue inhaler. Talk with the doctor.
Frequently reported side effects of this drug
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Dry mouth
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of strength and energy
• Diarrhea
Other side effects of this drug: Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these signs of:
• High blood sugar like confusion, fatigue, increased thirst, increased hunger, passing a lot of urine, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• Low potassium like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an abnormal heartbeat.
• Acidosis like confusion, fast breathing, fast heartbeat, abnormal heartbeat, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, or loss of strength and energy.
• Chest pain
• Fast heartbeat
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Severe dizziness
• Passing out
• Vision changes
• Severe headache
• Trouble breathing, wheezing, or coughing after use
• Signs of a significant reaction like wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Medication Safety Issues
Sound-alike/look-alike issues:
Foradil may be confused with Fortical, Toradol
Administration issues:
Foradil capsules for inhalation are for administration via Aerolizer inhaler and are not for oral use.
International issues:
Foradil [US, Canada, and multiple international markets] may be confused with Theradol brand name for tramadol [Netherlands]
Product Availability
Foradil Aerolizer is no longer available in the US.
Storage and Stability
Foradil Aerolizer: Prior to dispensing, store in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). After dispensing, store at room temperature at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from heat and moisture. Capsules should always be stored in the blister and only removed immediately before use.
Perforomist: Prior to dispensing, store in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). After dispensing, store in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) or room temperature at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) for up to 3 months. Protect from light and heat. Unit-dose vials should always be stored in the foil pouch and only removed immediately before use.
Oxeze Turbuhaler [Canadian product]: Store at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from moisture.
Adverse Reactions
Cardiovascular: Chest pain
Central nervous system: Anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, voice disorder
Dermatologic: Pruritus, skin rash
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, nausea, xerostomia, vomiting
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Muscle cramps, tremor
Respiratory: Bronchitis, dyspnea, exacerbation of asthma (including acute deterioration), pharyngitis, respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, tonsillitis
Miscellaneous: Fever
