Formoterol



Foradil® Aerolizer™







Formoterol

(for MOH te rol)

U.S. Brand Names
Foradil® Aerolizer™
Canadian Brand Names
Foradil®; Oxeze® Turbuhaler®
Pharmacologic Category
Beta
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to formoterol or any other part of this medicine.
  • Foradil® Aerolizer™: If you are having a breathing attack.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to open the airways in lung diseases where spasm may cause breathing problems.
  • It is used to prevent exercise-induced breathing problems.
How does it work?
  • Formoterol works at sites in the airways to relax the muscles and improve oxygen delivery.
How is it best taken?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Do not swallow capsule. The contents of the capsule will be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Read and follow all instructions provided with inhaler. Using the inhaler the right way is very important.
  • Remove capsule from foil right before use.
  • Place capsule in the chamber in the bottom of the Aerolizer™ Inhaler.
  • Press both buttons ONCE only and then release.
  • Keep inhaler at a level, upright position.
  • Exhale fully. Never exhale into the inhaler.
  • Place mouthpiece in your mouth. Close your lips around the mouthpiece.
  • Tilt head back and inhale.
  • Hold your breath as long as comfortable.
  • If any powder remains in the capsule, exhale fully and repeat. When capsule is empty, throw away.
  • Do not use a spacer with the inhaler.
  • Never wash inhaler. Keep dry.
  • Use new inhaler with each refill.
  • Do not use this medicine more than two times in a day. Separate doses by about 12 hours.
  • Oxeze®: Do not use this medicine more than six times in a day.
  • If exercise causes symptoms, use at least 15 minutes before activity. Do not take another dose for at least 12 hours.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis for exercise-induced asthma. Do not take more often than every 12 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
  • Oxeze®: Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Nervous and excitable.
  • Headache.
  • Mouth/throat irritation. Frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing mouth may help.
  • Muscle pain.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Use of a short-acting bronchodilator.
  • Monitor asthma with peak flow meter.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Unable to get breathing attack under control.
  • Peak flow measurement low.
  • Increased use of short-acting inhaler.
  • Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Very nervous and excitable.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from heat.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store capsules in original container. Use right after opening.
  • Use within 4 months after purchase date or expiration date, whichever comes first.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: