Formoterol
About
Formoterol belongs to the class of 'bronchodilators', primarily used to treat and prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) like bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes) and emphysema (shortness of breath). Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty breathing. COPD is a group of lung diseases that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.
Formoterol consists of Formoterol that belongs to the class of bronchodilators. It is a long-acting beta-agonist that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases airflow to the lungs. Formoterol makes breathing easier by widening the airways. It is also used to prevent exercise-induced breathing problems.
Your doctor will advise on how often you take Formoterol based on your medical condition. The common side effects of Formoterol include nausea, shakiness (tremor), headache, dizziness, dry mouth, stomach upset, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and hoarseness (abnormal voice changes). Most of these side effects of Formoterol do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Formoterol will not work as a rescue inhaler for sudden severe symptoms of asthma. Brief your medical history to doctor if you have any heart, liver, kidney diseases, high blood pressure, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), aneurysm (swelling of an artery), pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour), overactive thyroid, seizure (fits), metabolism problems like ketoacidosis, and diabetes before taking Formoterol. Please check with your doctor if you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding before starting Formoterol. Formoterol may cause shakiness and dizziness that can affect your driving ability; hence drive only when you are alert. Limit alcohol intake to prevent worsening of side effects. Formoterol is not recommended for children below five years of age.
Uses of Formoterol
Medicinal Benefits
Formoterol is used to treat and prevent respiratory disorders like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Formoterol consists of Formoterol. It is a long-acting β₂ agonist and bronchodilator. It relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases airflow to the lungs. It makes breathing easier by widening the airways. Formoterol improves pulmonary function and effectively treats wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Formoterol
- Nausea
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Stomach upset
- Tiredness
- Trouble sleeping
- Hoarseness (abnormal voice changes)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Formoterol, let your doctor know if you have a history of heart, liver, kidney diseases, high blood pressure, hypokalaemia, aneurysm, pheochromocytoma, overactive thyroid, seizure (fits), metabolism disorders (ketoacidosis), and diabetes. Bronchodilators like Formoterol can cause hypokalaemia; therefore, they should be used with caution in patients with hypokalaemia to prevent any cardiovascular effects. Formoterol may cause a rise in blood glucose levels. Hence monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and inform your doctor if you already have diabetes before using Formoterol. Please let your doctor know if you plan to become pregnant or already pregnant and a lactating mother. Formoterol may cause shakiness and dizziness that can affect your driving ability; hence drive only when you are alert. Limit alcohol intake to prevent worsening of side effects. Formoterol is not recommended for children below five years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Formoterol may interact with antidepressants (moclobemide, amitriptyline, imipramine), Parkinson's medicines (selegiline, levodopa), water pills, blood pressure medicines, antibiotics (erythromycin), corticosteroids (prednisolone), respiratory drugs (theophylline, aminophylline), and thyroid medicines (levothyroxine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Limit alcohol intake since it may cause a rise in blood pressure leading to heart diseases.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Formoterol should be cautiously used if you have any allergic reactions to medicines, heart, liver, kidney diseases, high blood pressure, hypokalaemia, aneurysm, pheochromocytoma, ketoacidosis, and diabetes.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can worsen your side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionFormoterol should be used during pregnancy only when the doctor advised. Please consult your doctor if you are planning to conceive or already pregnant before starting Formoterol.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is limited data on how Formoterol affects breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before starting Formoterol.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate machinery if you experience drowsiness and shakiness while using Formoterol. This may affect your ability to drive. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionFormoterol should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Formoterol.
Kidney
cautionFormoterol should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Let your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Formoterol.
Children
cautionFormoterol is not recommended for use for children less than five years of age. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor depending upon the condition of the child's disease and age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take the medication as directed by the doctor and at regular intervals. Do not use other over the counter medications, herbal or vitamin supplements without informing your pharmacist or doctor when you take Formoterol.
- Know your triggers like allergens, such as pollen, dust, and food items that make your asthma severe.
- Quit smoking and avoid passive smoking. Smoking also reduces the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system.
- Learning breathing exercises will help you move more air in and out of your lungs.
Special Advise
- It is advised to undergo a blood examination to keep a check on your potassium levels since Formoterol can cause low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalaemia).
- Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels while using Formoterol since bronchodilators like Formoterol can cause low blood glucose levels.
- Consult your diabetologist if you have diabetes before using Formoterol so that your insulin or other diabetic medication can be adjusted accordingly to maintain your blood sugar levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a breathing problem in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty breathing.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe. The most common COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. Chronic Bronchitis is a lung disease associated with inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.
FAQs
Formoterol is used to treat and prevent respiratory disorders like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Formoterol consists of Formoterol (bronchodilator) that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases airflow to the lungs.
Formoterol should be cautiously administered under the doctor's guidance in seizures since bronchodilators like Formoterol can cause central nervous system stimulation, leading to other adverse conditions. Please consult your doctor before using Formoterol if you have seizures.
Formoterol contains bronchodilator (Formoterol), which can cause a rise in blood glucose levels. Hence therapy with Formoterol is cautiously administered in patients with diabetes. Please monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and inform your doctor so that the dose can be adjusted accordingly.
Bronchodilator (Formoterol) in Formoterol may decrease the potassium levels in your body; therefore, it should be used with caution. Please consult your doctor before taking Formoterol since low potassium levels can lead to other cardiovascular problems in patients with hypokalaemia.
You may experience headaches and shakiness after using Formoterol. Drink plenty of water and take rest to manage your headache. Shakiness goes away gradually. Consult your doctor if these symptoms persist longer.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Formoterol in Formoterol may cause dry mouth as a temporary side effect in some people. It is not necessary for everyone taking Formoterol to experience this side effect. However, to avoid such side effects, drink plenty of water, regularly rinse your mouth, practice good oral hygiene and suck on sugarless candy. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
