Formoterol+glycopyrrolate
About
Formoterol+glycopyrrolate belongs to the group of medicines called bronchodilators indicated for long-term, maintenance treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tube lining). In COPD, the muscles around the airways tighten, making it difficult to breathe.
Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is a combination of two medicines, namely: Formoterol (long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist) and Glycopyrrolate (anticholinergic). Formoterol prevents the tightening of the muscles in the airways, making it easier for the air to get in and out of the lungs. Glycopyrrolate decreases the secretions in the airways. Together, Formoterol+glycopyrrolate provides relief from COPD.
You are advised to use Formoterol+glycopyrrolate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience common side-effects such as headache, nausea, dry mouth, chest pain, muscle cramps, dizziness, painful and frequent urination. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not stop using Formoterol+glycopyrrolate on your own as it might cause worsening of symptoms. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Formoterol+glycopyrrolate may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might cause increased dizziness. Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to avoid unpleasant side effects or interactions.
Uses of Formoterol+glycopyrrolate
Medicinal Benefits
Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is a combination of two medicines, namely: Formoterol and Glycopyrrolate. Formoterol+glycopyrrolate belongs to the group of medicines called bronchodilators used to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that prevents the tightening of the muscles in the airways, making it easier for the air to get in and out of the lungs. Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic that decreases the secretions in the airways. Together, Formoterol+glycopyrrolate provides relief from COPD.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Formoterol+glycopyrrolate
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Painful and frequent urination
- Chest pain
- Muscle cramps
- Anxiety
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Formoterol+glycopyrrolate if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have asthma, heart problems, seizures/epilepsy, thyroid gland problems, diabetes, narrow-angle glaucoma, kidney problems, low levels of potassium in the blood, severe liver problems, if you have any difficulty in passing urine or if you are taking any medicines for lung diseases. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Formoterol+glycopyrrolate may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might cause increased dizziness. Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Formoterol+glycopyrrolate may interact with antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin), beta-blocker (timolol, atenolol, propranolol), xanthine (theophylline), diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), steroids (prednisolone).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, difficulty in urination, heart problems, seizures, gastrointestinal obstruction, arrhythmia, hypertension, myasthenia gravis, or infectious diarrhoea.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are advised not to consume alcohol while taking Formoterol+glycopyrrolate as it might cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether Formoterol+glycopyrrolate can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionFormoterol+glycopyrrolate may cause dizziness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment/liver disease or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeFormoterol+glycopyrrolate is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system.
- Avoid foods such as cabbage, beans, garlic, onions, shrimp, pickled food, dried fruits, fried foods, carbonated drinks, wine, bottled lemon and lime juice, as it may worsen symptoms.
- Do meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to get relief from stress and reduce the risk of an attack.
- Quit smoking as it may reduce the effectiveness of the Formoterol+glycopyrrolate, irritate the lungs, and may worsen breathing problems.
- Learn breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing. It helps provide relief from COPD.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes). The major cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. Also, long-term exposure to fumes and chemicals may lead to COPD. The symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath or wheezing (whistle sound while breathing).
FAQs
Formoterol+glycopyrrolate contains Formoterol and Glycopyrrolate. Formoterol relaxes and widens the openings in the airways, making it easier for the air to get in and out of the lungs. Glycopyrrolate decreases the secretions in the airways. Together, Formoterol+glycopyrrolate provides relief from COPD.
Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is indicated for the maintenance treatment for COPD. It does not treat a sudden attack of wheezing or breathlessness. Use a rescue inhaler to treat sudden breathing problems.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Formoterol+glycopyrrolate. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol; drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
Do not stop using Formoterol+glycopyrrolate on your own as it might cause worsening of symptoms. To treat your condition effectually, continue using Formoterol+glycopyrrolate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Talk to your doctor if your breathing problems, wheezing, or cough do not improve or worsen.
No, Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is not indicated for the treatment of asthma as the safety and effectiveness of Formoterol+glycopyrrolate in patients with asthma have not been established. Consult your doctor if you have asthma.
Consult your doctor if you are diabetic as it might sometimes raise blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels whilst taking Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is advised.
