Generic name: formoterol (inhalation) [ for-MOE-ter-all ]
Brand names: Perforomist, Foradil Aerolizer>
Drug class: Adrenergic bronchodilators

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 26, 2024.

What is Foradil?

Foradil is a long-acting bronchodilator. It relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Foradil is used to prevent asthma attacks or exercise-induced bronchospasm in adults and children who are at least 5 years old.

Foradil is also used to prevent bronchospasm in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Warnings

Do not use Foradil to treat a sudden bronchospasm attack. It will not work fast enough. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medicine.

Formoterol may increase the risk of death or hospitalization in people with asthma, but the risk in people with COPD is not known.

Seek medical attention you have worsening breathing problems, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Foradil if you are allergic to formoterol.

Foradil may increase the risk of death or hospitalization in people with asthma, but the risk in people with COPD is not known. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

To make sure Foradil is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a food or drug allergy;

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• diabetes;

• a thyroid disorder;

• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland); or

• an aneurysm (swelling of an artery).

It is not known whether Foradil will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether formoterol inhalation passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Foradil?

Use Foradil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Use only the prescribed dose of this medicine, and do not use it for longer than your doctor recommends.

Foradil is usually given 2 times a day, about 12 hours apart. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Foradil is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat a bronchospasm attack. Use only a fast acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Tell your doctor if any of your medicines seem to stop working as well in controlling your COPD.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Any child using Foradil should be supervised by an adult while using this medicine.

Foradil capsules are for use only in the Foradil Aerolizer device provided. Do not take the capsule by mouth. Do not swallow Foradil capsules. Use only one capsule at a time. Use dry hands when handling the capsule. Never place a capsule in the mouthpiece of the inhaler.

The Foradil Aerolizer inhalation device is not to be used with a spacer.

Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Seek medical attention if you think your asthma medications are not working as well. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep all capsules in their original packaging until you are ready to use a dose.

Do not try to clean or take apart the Aerolizer device. Throw it away when your capsules run out. Always use the new device provided with the medication when you get your prescription refilled.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats, nervousness, tremors, feeling weak or light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while using Foradil?

Do not use a second form of formoterol (Bevespi, Dulera, Symbicort) or other long-acting inhaled bronchodilator unless your doctor tells you to. This includes arformoterol (Brovana), indacaterol (Arcapta), olodaterol (Striverdi, Stiolto Respimat), salmeterol (Advair, Serevent), or vilanterol (Breo Ellipta, Anoro Ellipta).

Foradil side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Foradil: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have;

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medicine;

• chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

• nervousness, trouble sleeping;

• worsening breathing problems;

• high blood sugar - increased thirst or urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss; or

• low potassium - leg cramps, constipation, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common Foradil side effects may include:

• dizziness, nervousness, tremors;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• muscle cramps; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Foradil?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• theophylline;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• a beta-blocker - atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others; or

• a MAO inhibitor - isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with formoterol inhalation, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Foradil only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.01.