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Home > Drug Category > Asthma Medication/ Respiratory Disorders > Foradil Aerolizer and Equivalent

Foradil Aerolizer Information

Foradil Aerolizer (Formoterol) is used to prevent asthma attacks in combination with a long-term asthma control medication in adults and children at least 5 years old. Asthma is when a person's airways become inflamed, narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to breathing difficulties. Foradil Aerolizer is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm in adults and children at least 5 years old. The drug is also used in the long-term maintenance treatment of narrowing airways in adults with COPD, including bronchitis and emphysema. Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) like Formoterol work by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding the airways in the lungs, which helps to open them up and make breathing easier. Because they are long-acting, their effects last about 12 hours, making them suitable for long-term control of respiratory conditions.

Foradil Aerolizer Side Effects

The most common side effects of Foradil Aerolizer may include cough, headache, dizziness, nausea, nervousness and throat irritation. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• High blood sugar;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of low blood potassium, such as muscle weakness, cramps, and abnormal heart rhythms;
• Worsening symptoms

Foradil Aerolizer Precautions

Do not use Foradil Aerolizer if you are allergic to Formoterol or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have acute bronchospasm, epilepsy, tumor of the adrenal gland, aneurysm, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, severe heart conditions, hypokalemia, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Foradil Aerolizer and other medications, such as metoprolol, propranolol, furosemide, amitriptyline, theophylline, etc. Do not use Foradil Aerolizer if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is unknown if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug in pregnancy with your doctor. Do not use Foradil Aerolizer while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is unknown if Formoterol passes into breast milk and may have unwanted effects on a nursing infant. The safety and effectiveness of Foradil Aerolizer in children younger than 5 years old have not been established. An adult should supervise the use of this drug in children.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Foradil Aerolizer comes as capsules for use only in the Foradil Aerolizer device. Do not take the capsule by mouth. Do not swallow Foradil capsules. Use only one capsule at a time. Use dry hands when handling the capsule. Prepare the Aerolizer before using this medicine. Remove the cap from the Aerolizer. Open the Aerolizer by twisting the mouthpiece. Carefully remove a capsule from the blister pack immediately before use and place it in the capsule chamber. Close the Aerolizer by twisting the mouthpiece back until it clicks. Pierce the capsule by pressing both blue buttons on the sides of the Aerolizer once and releasing them. Breathe out fully, away from the Aerolizer. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and close your lips tightly around it. Tilt your head slightly back. Breathe in quickly and deeply through the Aerolizer. You should hear a whirring sound as the capsule spins. Remove the Aerolizer from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as comfortable. Breathe out slowly. You can take a second inhalation to ensure the entire dose has been taken. Open the chamber and discard the used capsule. Close the Aerolizer and replace the cap. Do not exhale into the Aerolizer. Do not use this device with a spacer. Do not try to clean or take apart the Aerolizer device. Throw it away when your capsules run out. Always use the new device provided with the medication when you get your prescription refilled. Formoterol should NEVER be used alone to treat asthma. It must always be used in combination with a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid. Using it alone increases the risk of serious asthma-related problems, including death. Do not use Foradil Aerolizer to treat a sudden bronchospasm attack. It will not work fast enough. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medicine. Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Store Foradil Aerolizer at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Foradil Aerolizer?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Foradil Aerolizer.