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Formoterol

    Brands

    DEA Class;  Rx

    Common Brand Names; Perforomist

    • Beta2 Agonists

    Inhaled long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA); given twice daily via nebulization
    Used for the maintenance treatment of COPD in adults
    Not indicated as monotherapy to treat asthma; do not use for acute bronchospasm or acute deteriorations of COPD

    Indicated for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (e.g., chronic bronchitis or emphysema).

    Hypersensitivity

    Asthma treatment without an inhaled corticosteroid

    • Viral infection (17.2%)
    • Bronchitis (4.6%)
    • Chest infection (2.7%)
    • Dyspnea (2.1%)
    • Chest pain (1.9%)
    • Tremor (1.9%)
    • Dizziness (1.6%)
    • Angina
    • Arrhythmias
    • Hypo/hypertension
    • Tachycardia
    • Hypokalemia
    • Hyperglycemia
    • Metabolic acidosis
    • Headache

    Coexisting conditions including cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, aneurysm, and pheochromocytoma

    Life-threatening paradoxical bronchospasm can occur; discontinue immediately

    Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur (eg, anaphylactic reactions, urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm)

    Available data do not suggest an increased risk of death with use of LABA in patients with COPD

    As with other inhaled beta2-adrenergic drugs, inhalation solution should not be used more often, at higher doses than recommended, or in conjunction with other medications containing long-acting beta2-agonists; an overdose may result; clinically significant cardiovascular effects and fatalities reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs

    Beta-agonist medications may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects; the decrease in serum potassium is usually transient, not requiring supplementation

    Pregnancy Category: C

    Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk, use caution

    Adults

    40 mcg/day via nebulizer.

    Geriatric

    40 mcg/day via nebulizer.

    Adolescents

    Safety and efficacy of nebulization have not been established. Previously available inhalers were approved in children as young as 5 years of age.

    Children

    Safety and efficacy of nebulization have not been established. Previously available inhalers were approved in children as young as 5 years of age.

    Infants

    Safety and efficacy of nebulization have not been established.

    Formoterol fumarate

    solution for inhalation

    • 20mcg/2mL