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| Pronunciation |
|
 (for
MOH te
rol) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Foradil®
Aerolizer™ |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Beta2 Agonist; Bronchodilator |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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|
- If you have an allergy to formoterol, any other inhaled
bronchodilator, or any other part of the medicine.
- If you need medicine for relief of sudden asthma symptoms.
- If you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (tranylcypromine,
isocarboxid, or phenelzine). Separate use by 2
weeks.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used for treatment of breathing problems caused by
asthma. It should not
be used for immediate treatment of breathing problems. This is a long-term
treatment. Keep the correct inhaler handy for immediate breathing problems. If
you are not sure which inhaler to use, call healthcare provider.
- It may also be used to treat breathing problems caused by exercise.
This is called exercise-induced
asthma.
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| How does it work? |
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- Formoterol acts to keep the airways open, making it easier to breathe.
It also decreases the symptoms of asthma. These are shortness of breath,
wheezing, chest tightness, and
cough.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
- Do not swallow this capsule. The contents of the capsule will be
inhaled into the lungs. You will put the capsule in the Aerolizer Inhaler. Check
inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Using the inhaler the right
way is very important.
- Remove capsule from foil right before use.
- Place capsule in the chamber in the bottom of the Aerolizer Inhaler.
- Press both buttons ONCE
only and then release.
- Keep inhaler at a level, upright position.
- Exhale fully. Never exhale into the inhaler.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Close your lips around the
mouthpiece.
- Tilt head slightly back and inhale.
- Hold your breath as long as comfortable.
- If any powder remains in the capsule then exhale fully and repeat.
When capsule is empty throw away. Do not leave in inhaler.
- Do not use a spacer with this inhaler.
- Never wash inhaler. Always keep dry.
- When you get a refill, throw away inhaler. Use new inhaler with each
refill.
- Do not use more than two times per day. Separate doses by about 12
hours.
- Take entire prescription as directed even if feeling
better.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- For asthma, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
- For exercise-induced asthma the medicine is taken as needed.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Wear medical alert identification for asthma.
- Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake.
Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, rapid heartbeats, and
anxiety.
- For exercise-induced asthma, take at least 15 minutes before you start
exercise. Do not take another dose for at least 12 hours.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Shakiness and nervousness.
- Fast heartbeats.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Muscle cramps and pain.
- Irritation of the mouth or throat.
- This medicine rarely irritates the airways and causes trouble
breathing.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Watch for changes in breathing. Is breathing better, worse, or about
the same.
- How often you need to use short-acting bronchodilator per day.
- If you are using this medicine for asthma, monitor with peak flow
meter.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
- Very nervous and excitable.
- If asthma is worsening. Unable to get breathing attack under control.
- Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased
ability to walk.
- If your inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator does not work as well as
before. For example, you need more inhalations than usual to get the same
relief.
- The relief of wheezing or chest tightness is not as good.
- Peak flow measurement is lower than usual.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store at room temperature. Protect from heat and moisture.
- Capsules should always be stored in the package they came in. Use a
capsule right away after removing from packaging.
- Always check expiration date. Use up in 4 months after purchase date
or product expiration date, whichever comes
first.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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