Brand
name: FORADIL ( Formoterol )
Pronounced: FOUR-a-dil
Generic name: Formoterol
Why is FORADIL ( Formoterol ) prescribed?
FORADIL ( Formoterol ) relaxes the muscles in the walls of the airways, allowing
them to expand. Taken on a twice-daily basis, it helps to control asthma
in people who need regular treatment with short-acting inhalers, including
people with nighttime asthma. Regular twice-daily use can also relieve
tightening of the airways in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Taken on an as-needed basis, FORADIL ( Formoterol ) can also be used to prevent exercise-induced
tightening of the airways (also called "exercise-induced asthma")
in adults and children 12 years of age and older.
Most important fact about FORADIL ( Formoterol )
FORADIL ( Formoterol ) is used to prevent asthma attacks, and should not be used
for the relief of acute asthma symptoms. Your doctor will prescribe
a short-acting inhaler such as Proventil or Ventolin to use for acute
asthma attacks.
How should you take FORADIL ( Formoterol )?
FORADIL ( Formoterol ) capsules are intended for use only with the Aerolizer inhaler;
they should not be swallowed.
To use the system, place a capsule in the well of the Aerolizer, then
press and release the buttons on the side of the device. This will
pierce the capsule. The medication is dispersed into the air stream
when you inhale rapidly and deeply through the mouthpiece. Do not exhale
into the device and do not use a "spacer" with this medication.
Detailed instructions are supplied with your prescription. If you have
any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.One rare occasions, the
capsule may break into small pieces, which could reach the throat or
mouth during inhalation. You can reduce the
chance of breakage by storing the capsules in a dry place, keeping
them in their blister pack until just before use, and piercing them
only once.
Be sure your hands are dry before handling the capsules, and be careful
to keep the Aerolizer dry, too--do not wash any part of the device.
Discard the aerolizer when your prescription is finished. Replace it
with the new one that comes with each refill.
If you miss a dose FORADIL ( Formoterol )
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Leave the
capsules in the blister pack until needed for use.
FORADIL ( Formoterol ) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking FORADIL ( Formoterol ).
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, allergic reaction, anxiety, back pain, bronchitis, chest infection,
chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, dizziness, dry mouth,
fatigue, fever, headache, high blood sugar, high or low blood pressure, inability
to sleep, increased sputum, indigestion, irregular heartbeat, itching, muscle
cramps, nausea, nervousness, rash, runny nose, sinusitis, sore throat, stomach
upset, tonsillitis, tremor, unwell feeling, upper respiratory and viral infections,
worsening of asthma
Why should FORADIL ( Formoterol ) not be prescribed?
FORADIL ( Formoterol ) cannot be used for acute episodes of asthma that require intensive
therapy. You'll also be unable to use FORADIL ( Formoterol ) if it gives you an allergic
reaction.
Special warnings about FORADIL ( Formoterol )
Your doctor will probably prescribe additional medications for use
along with FORADIL ( Formoterol ). Steroid inhalers such as Beclovent and Flovent
fight inflammation in the airways. Short-acting airway openers such
as Proventil and Ventolin relieve acute attacks. Be sure to use these
medications exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dosage or stop
using them without consulting your doctor.
Be sure to keep track of how often you use your short-acting inhaler
for relief of acute asthma symptoms. Your doctor will use this information
to help determine how well FORADIL ( Formoterol ) is working. Notify your doctor if
your symptoms worsen, if you need more inhalations of the short-acting
inhaler than usual, or if FORADIL ( Formoterol ) seems to be getting less effective.
Keep track of your peak flow readings, too. Call your doctor if you
notice a drop in this measurement of lung capacity.
Do not use FORADIL ( Formoterol ) more often than prescribed. Excessive use can cause
heart irregularities. Use FORADIL ( Formoterol ) with caution if you have any kind
of heart disorder or high blood pressure. Notify your doctor immediately
if you experience palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, or tremor.
Do not use FORADIL ( Formoterol ) in combination with Serevent, Advair Diskus, or
other long-acting inhalers. They contain the same type of active ingredient
and will provide no extra benefit. If you've been using a short-acting
inhaler on a routine basis, you should stop using it regularly and
reserve it for occasional relief of acute attacks.
Call your doctor immediately if you develop hives, rash, or swelling,
or if you have an asthma attack that does not respond to your usual
medication. FORADIL ( Formoterol ) has been known to cause allergic reactions and
acute asthma attacks.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking FORADIL ( Formoterol )
If FORADIL ( Formoterol ) is taken with certain other drugs, the effect of either
may be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining FORADIL ( Formoterol ) with the following:
Antidepressants categorized as "tricyclics," such
as Elavil and Tofranil
Antidepressants classified as "monoamine oxidase inhibitors," such
as Nardil and Parnate
Beta blockers (drugs such as Inderal and Tenormin that are used to
control blood pressure and treat various heart conditions)
Steroids such as prednisone and hydrocortisone
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Slo-Phyllin)
Water pills (diuretics) such as HydroDIURIL or Lasix
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The possibility of harm during pregnancy has not been ruled out. FORADIL ( Formoterol )
is recommended for pregnant women only if the potential benefit outweighs
the potential risk. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant.
It's not known whether FORADIL ( Formoterol ) appears in breast milk. Use this medication
with caution if you are nursing.
Recommended dosage for FORADIL ( Formoterol )
ASTHMA
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
