Generic name: formoterol (inhalation) [ for-MOE-ter-all ]
Brand names: Perforomist, Foradil Aerolizer
Dosage form: inhalation solution (20 mcg/2 mL)
Drug class: Adrenergic bronchodilators

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 9, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is formoterol inhalation?

Formoterol inhalation is used to control the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Formoterol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Formoterol inhalation side effects

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

Formoterol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• tremors, nervousness, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using formoterol;

• worsening breathing problems;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

• low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects of formoterol may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• nervousness, trouble sleeping;

• headache;

• dizziness;

• tremor;

• tiredness;

• muscle cramps; or

• dry mouth.

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.

Warnings

Formoterol is for use only in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and should not be used to treat asthma.

Formoterol is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat a bronchospasm attack.

Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use formoterol if you are allergic to it. Formoterol is for use only in people with COPD and should not be used to treat asthma.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• a seizure;

• diabetes;

• liver disease; or

• a thyroid disorder.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Formoterol inhalation is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use formoterol inhalation?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Using too much of formoterol can cause life-threatening side effects.

Formoterol is not a rescue medicine for bronchospasm attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

Formoterol solution for inhalation is for use only with a standard jet nebulizer machine connected to an air compressor. Do not mix formoterol with other medicines in the nebulizer.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Store this medicine in the refrigerator, protected from light and heat.

Keep each vial in the foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine. Once a vial is opened, you must use the medicine right away. Throw the empty vial away where children and pets cannot get to it.

You may store an unopened foil pouch at room temperature but you must use it within 3 months or throw it away.

Do not use formoterol if it does not look clear and colorless in the vial. Do not use after the expiration date on the label has passed.

You should not stop using formoterol suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of formoterol inhalation can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats, nervousness, tremor, muscle cramps, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

What should I avoid while using formoterol inhalation?

Do not use a second inhaled bronchodilator that contains formoterol or a similar medicine (such as arformoterol, indacaterol, olodaterol, salmeterol, or vilanterol).

What other drugs will affect formoterol inhalation?

If you also use a short-acting bronchodilator, do not use it daily while you are using formoterol. Use the short-acting bronchodilator only for a sudden bronchospasm attack.

Other drugs may affect formoterol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication 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

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