Formoterol at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting beta2 agonist bronchodilator
Licensed roles
Asthma add-on treatment and relief of obstructive symptoms in adult COPD
Asthma safety
Continue the prescribed inhaled corticosteroid; formoterol alone is not sufficient asthma treatment
Selected device
An inspiratory-flow-driven dry-powder inhaler requiring a forceful, deep inhalation
Onset
Airway opening begins within a few minutes of inhalation
What is Formoterol used for?
The selected Oxis Turbohaler product is licensed for:
Add-on treatment with maintenance inhaled corticosteroids for obstructive asthma symptoms when corticosteroids alone are insufficient, in adults and children aged 6 years and over.
Preventing exercise-induced asthma symptoms as part of appropriately managed asthma treatment.
Relieving obstructive airway symptoms in adults with COPD.
How does Formoterol work?
Formoterol stimulates beta2 receptors in airway smooth muscle, relaxing the muscle around the airways. It does not treat the underlying inflammation in asthma, so inhaled corticosteroid treatment must continue.
Formoterol preparations and strengths
Inhaled preparation
Route: Inhaled
Strengths: 12 micrograms/actuation, 12 micrograms/dose
How to take Formoterol
Use the inhaler exactly as prescribed and follow its enclosed instructions. Correct dry-powder inhaler technique is essential.
Hold the Turbohaler upright while loading it and load it only when ready to use.
Breathe out gently away from the inhaler; never breathe into the device.
Seal your lips around the mouthpiece and breathe in forcefully and deeply.
Do not chew or bite the mouthpiece, and do not use a damaged inhaler.
The powder may have been delivered even if you cannot taste or feel it.
Replace the cover after use and clean the mouthpiece with a dry tissue, not water.
Formoterol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Tremor or shaking
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden wheezing or worsening breathlessness immediately after inhalation
- Chest pain or a markedly fast or irregular heartbeat
- An allergic reaction involving rash, hives, itching or bronchospasm
- Potentially important low blood potassium, particularly during severe asthma or with interacting medicines
Formoterol in pregnancy
Product-specific pregnancy data are limited. The selected product may be considered when needed to maintain asthma control if the expected maternal benefit outweighs possible fetal risk. Do not stop prescribed asthma treatment because of pregnancy; arrange a clinical review.
Formoterol while breastfeeding
General NHS advice supports continuing prescribed asthma treatment while breastfeeding. However, it is unknown whether formoterol passes into human milk, so discuss its benefits and possible risks with the prescriber.
Formoterol interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines, including eye drops and non-prescription products. Important examples include:
Beta blockers, including timolol eye drops
May weaken or block formoterol's airway-opening effect and provoke bronchospasm.
Other beta2 agonists, sympathomimetics or ephedrine
Can increase effects such as tremor, palpitations and a fast heartbeat.
Theophylline, systemic corticosteroids and loop or thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of low blood potassium.
Common questions about Formoterol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is formoterol a steroid?
No. It is a long-acting bronchodilator. In asthma it is used alongside an inhaled corticosteroid, which treats airway inflammation.
Can formoterol be used alone for asthma?
No. Long-acting beta2 agonists must not replace regular inhaled corticosteroid treatment in asthma.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.