Formoterol Fumarate Inhalation powder, capsu... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Formoterol Fumarate Inhalation powder, capsule

Brand name(s):

Foradil Aerolizer, Perforomist

What is this medicine?

FORMOTEROL (for MOH te rol) is a slow-acting bronchodilator. It helps keep open the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. Do not use in an acute asthma or COPD attack.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• diabetes
• heart disease or irregular heartbeat
• high blood pressure
• pheochromocytoma
• seizures
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to formoterol, milk, other medicines, food, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

The capsules are only for inhalation through an inhaler device. Do NOT swallow the capsules. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use a spacer device. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• caffeine
• cisapride
• diuretics
• furazolidone
• medicines for blood pressure
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• other medicines for breathing problems
• pimozide
• procarbazine
• risperidone
• sertindole
• some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and linezolid
• some heart medicines
• steroid hormones like dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone
• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.