formoterol + glycopyrronium at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting beta2 agonist plus long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LABA/LAMA).
Licensed use
Maintenance bronchodilation to relieve COPD symptoms in adults.
Device
Pressurised metered-dose inhaler containing a suspension.
Not suitable for
Sudden breathlessness, acute bronchospasm or asthma treatment.
What is formoterol + glycopyrronium used for?
This product is licensed for:
Maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adults with COPD.
How does formoterol + glycopyrronium work?
Glycopyrronium blocks M3 muscarinic receptors that promote airway-muscle tightening. Formoterol activates beta2 receptors, increasing cyclic AMP and relaxing airway smooth muscle. Together, they help keep the airways more open.
formoterol + glycopyrronium preparations and strengths
Inhaled preparation
Route: Inhaled
Strengths: 7.2 micrograms + 5 micrograms
How to take formoterol + glycopyrronium
Use only by oral inhalation. Follow the product instructions and training provided by a healthcare professional.
Shake the inhaler well before use.
Breathe out comfortably, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, then breathe in deeply and slowly while pressing the canister.
Hold your breath for as long as comfortable, then breathe out gently.
Prime before first use and re-prime after prolonged non-use, low-temperature exposure, dropping or cleaning.
A compatible AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu spacer may help if coordinating inhalation and actuation is difficult.
Check the dose indicator and stop using the inhaler when it reaches zero.
formoterol + glycopyrronium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Chest pain
- Urinary tract infection symptoms
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness immediately after inhalation
- Facial, tongue or throat swelling, hives with breathing difficulty, or sudden faintness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat requiring prompt assessment
- Difficulty passing urine
formoterol + glycopyrronium in pregnancy
There are no pregnancy data for this combination. Use should be considered only when the expected benefit outweighs potential risk. Ask the prescriber to review treatment if pregnant or planning pregnancy; do not stop without advice.
formoterol + glycopyrronium while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether either component enters human milk. Use requires an individual assessment of maternal benefit and possible infant risk. Product-specific evidence is limited.
formoterol + glycopyrronium interactions
Check the full medication list, including inhalers and eye drops, before treatment.
Other long-acting beta2 agonists or antimuscarinics
Concurrent use is not recommended because class-related adverse effects may increase.
Beta-blockers, including glaucoma eye drops
They can weaken or block formoterol's bronchodilator effect; use together only after careful clinical consideration.
Non-potassium-sparing diuretics, methylxanthines or corticosteroids
They may increase the risk of beta2-agonist-related low blood potassium.
Common questions about formoterol + glycopyrronium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is formoterol + glycopyrronium a steroid inhaler?
No. It contains two long-acting bronchodilators and no inhaled corticosteroid.
Can it relieve sudden breathlessness?
No. It is maintenance treatment, not a rescue inhaler for an acute episode.
Can it be used for asthma?
No. This product should not be used to treat asthma.
Can it be used with a spacer?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.