Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 17, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Foradil Aerolizer
- Perforomist
Available Dosage Forms:
- Capsule
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Bronchodilator
Pharmacologic Class: Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonist
Uses for formoterol
Formoterol is used together with other medicines (eg, inhaled corticosteroids) to treat asthma and prevent bronchospasm in patients with asthma. When used regularly every day, inhaled formoterol decreases the number and severity of asthma attacks. However, it will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started.
Formoterol is also used for the long-term maintenance treatment of air flow blockage in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is a long-term lung disease that causes bronchospasm (wheezing or difficulty with breathing).
Formoterol belongs to the family of medicines known as bronchodilators. Bronchodilators are medicines that are breathed in through the mouth to open up the bronchial tubes (air passages) in the lungs. They relieve cough, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes.
Formoterol is also used to prevent troubled breathing or wheezing caused by exercise (exercise-induced bronchospasm or EIB).
Formoterol is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using formoterol
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For formoterol, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to formoterol or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of formoterol inhalation powder in children 5 years of age and older. Saf...
