Why is Formoterol prescribed? 

Foradil relaxes the muscles in the walls of the airways, allowing them to expand. Taken on a twice-daily basis, it helps to control asthma in people who need regular treatment with short-acting inhalers, including people with nighttime asthma. Regular twice-daily use can also relieve tightening of the airways in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 

Taken on an as-needed basis, Foradil can also be used to prevent exercise-induced tightening of the airways (also called "exercise-induced asthma") in adults and children 12 years of age and older. 

Most important fact about Formoterol 

Foradil is  used to prevent  asthma attacks, and should  not be used for  the relief  of acute  asthma symptoms. Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting inhaler such as Proventil  or Ventolin to use for acute  asthma attacks. 

How should you take Formoterol? 

Foradil capsules  are intended for use only with the Aerolizer inhaler; they  should not be swallowed. 

To use  the system, place a capsule in  the well of the Aerolizer, then press and release the buttons on the side of the device. This will pierce the capsule. The  medication is dispersed into the air stream when  you inhale rapidly and deeply through the mouthpiece.  Do not exhale into the device and do not  use a "spacer" with Formoterol. Detailed instructions are supplied with  your prescription.  If you have any questions, ask  your doctor or pharmacist. 

One rare occasion, the capsule may break into small pieces, which could reach the throat or mouth during inhalation. You can reduce the chance of breakage by storing the capsules in a dry place, keeping them in their blister pack until just before use, and piercing them only once. 

Be sure  your hands are dry before handling the capsules, and be careful  to keep the Aerolizer dry, too—do not wash any part  of the device. Discard the aerolizer when  your prescription is finished. Replace it with the new one that comes with each refill. 

• If you miss  a dose...
• Take it as soon as  you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the  one you missed and go back to  your regular schedule. 

Storage instructions... 

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Leave  the capsules in the blister pack until needed  for use. 

What side effects may occur? 

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform  your doctor as soon as possible. Only  your doctor can determine if it is safe for  you to continue taking Foradil. 

• Side effects may include:  Abdominal pain, allergic reaction, anxiety, back pain, bronchitis, chest infection, chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, fever, headache, high blood sugar, high  or low blood pressure, inability  to sleep, increased sputum, indigestion, irregular heartbeat, itching, muscle cramps, nausea, nervousness, rash, runny nose, sinusitis, sore throat, stomach upset, tonsillitis, tremor, unwell feeling, upper respiratory and viral infections, worsening of asthma 
  

Why should Formoterol not be  prescribed?

Foradil cannot be  used for acute episodes  of asthma that require intensive therapy. You'll  also be unable to use Foradil if  it gives you an allergic reaction. 

Special warnings about Formoterol 

Your doctor will probably prescribe additional medications for use along with Foradil. Steroid inhalers such  as beclomethasone  and fluticasone fight inflammation  in the airways. Short-acting airway openers such as albuterol relieve acute attacks. Be sure to use these medications exactly as prescribed. Do not change  the dosage or stop using them without consulting  your doctor. 

Be sure to keep track  of how often  you use your short-acting inhaler for relief of acute asthma symptoms. Your doctor will use this information  to help determine how well Foradil is working. Notify your doctor if your symptoms worsen, if  you need  more inhalations of the short-acting inhaler  than usual, or if Foradil seems to be getting less effective. Keep track of  your peak flow readings, too. Call your doctor if  you notice a drop in this measurement of lung capacity. 

Do not use Foradil more often than prescribed. Excessive use can cause heart irregularities. Use Foradil with caution if you have any kind  of heart disorder  or high blood pressure. Notify  your doctor immediately if you experience palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate,  or tremor. 

Do not use Foradil in combination  with salmeterol, or other long-acting inhalers. They contain the same  type of active ingredient and  will provide no extra benefit.  If you've been using a short-acting  inhaler on a routine basis, you should stop using it regularly and reserve  it for occasional relief  of acute attacks. 

Call your doctor immediately if  you develop hives, rash,  or swelling, or if you have  an asthma attack that does not respond  to your usual medication. Foradil has been known  to cause allergic reactions and acute asthma attacks. 

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Formoterol 

If Foradil is taken  with certain other drugs,  the effect  of either may be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important  to check with  your doctor before combining Foradil with the following: 

• Antidepressants categorized as "tricyclics," such as amitriptyline  and imipramine 
• Antidepressants classified as "monoamine oxidase inhibitors," such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine 
• Beta blockers (drugs such as atenolol  and propranolol that are used  to control blood pressure and treat various heart conditions) 
• Steroids such as prednisone  and hydrocortisone 
• Theophylline
• Water pills (diuretics) such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide 

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding 

The possibility of harm during pregnancy has  not been ruled out. Foradil  is recommended for pregnant women only if  the potential benefit outweighs  the potential risk. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or plan  to become pregnant.

It's  not known whether Foradil appears in breast milk. Use Formoterol with caution if you are nursing. 

Recommended dosage for Formoterol 

ASTHMA 

For  the long-term control of asthma  in adults  and children 5 years of age  and older,  the recommended dosage  is 1  capsule every 12 hours.  Do not use more than 2 capsules per day. 

PREVENTION OF EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA 

For adults  and children 12 years of age  and older, the recommended dosage  is 1  capsule at least 15 minutes before exercise.  If a second dose is needed  the same day, it must be taken at least 12 hours after  the first dose. Do  not exceed 2  capsules per day. If  you are already taking Foradil  on a regular twice-daily basis, do  not take additional doses  before exercise. 

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE 

The usual dosage is 1 capsule every 12 hours.  Do not use more than 2 capsules  a day. If your customary dosage fails to provide  the usual relief, check  with your doctor immediately.  Other treatments  may have to  be added to  your regimen. 

Overdosage

Any medication taken  in excess can have serious consequences. If  you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. 

• Symptoms of Foradil overdose may include: Chest pain, dizziness, dry mouth, fast  or irregular heartbeat, fatigue, general feeling  of illness, headache, heart palpitations, inability to sleep,  muscle cramps, nausea, nervousness, seizures, tremor