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Printable Version Formoterol Inhalation Powder, Capsules

Active Ingredients: Formoterol for Inhalation
Other Names: Foradil Aerolizer Powder for Inhalation, Formoterol Fumarate Powder Capsules for Inhalation
Drug Class: Inhaled Beta-2 Agonists
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Formoterol Inhalation Powder, Capsules?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Formoterol Inhalation Powder, Capsules? (Back to top)
FORMOTEROL 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 providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

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

This medicine may also interact with the following:
  • 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 providers 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.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue
  • chest pain
  • difficulty breathing or wheezing that increases or does not go away
  • dizziness or fainting
  • fever
  • irregular heartbeat
  • nervousness
  • tremors

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • cough
  • headache
  • sore throat
  • stuffy nose
  • stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away. Do not use this medicine more than every 12 hours.

If you have asthma, be aware that using this medicine may increase your risk of dying from asthma related problems. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medicine. NEVER use this medicine for an acute asthma attack.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or health care professional that you are using this medicine.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from heat and moisture. Remove capsules from the blister pack immediately before using them. Throw away any unused medicine after 3 months or after the expiration date, which ever comes first.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:April 02, 2008

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Formoterol Inhalation Powder, Capsules

 Compare Formoterol Inhalation Powder, Capsules to similar drugs

  Learn how Formoterol Inhalation Powder, Capsules is/are used to treat:
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Asthma

      Learn more about using Inhalers

      Test Yourself! If you currently take Formoterol Inhalation Powder, Capsules, do you know everything that you need to know?

      Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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