Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Using the medicine more often may increase the chance of serious unwanted effects.

Inhaled formoterol is used to prevent asthma or COPD attacks. It is not used to relieve an attack that has already started. For relief of an asthma or COPD attack that has already started, you should use another medicine. If you do not have another medicine to use, or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

In order for this medicine to help prevent asthma or COPD attacks, it must be used every day in regularly spaced doses, as ordered by your doctor.

Do not stop using this medicine or other asthma or COPD medicines that your doctor has prescribed for you unless you have discussed this with your doctor.

The formoterol inhalation solution should be used with a jet nebulizer that is connected to an air compressor with good air flow. The inhalation solution comes with a patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the nebulizer, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check how you use the inhaler to make sure you are using it properly.

To use the inhalation solution in the nebulizer:

  • Use the medicine immediately after opening the foil pouch.
  • Twist the cap off the vial and squeeze all the medicine in the nebulizer medicine cup.
  • Do not mix Perforomist® inhalation solution with other medicines in the nebulizing machine.
  • Connect the nebulizer to the face mask or mouthpiece, then connect the nebulizer to the compressor.
  • To inhale the medicine, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, then turn on the compressor. Breathe in deeply and steadily until no more mist is formed in the nebulizer reservoir.
  • Use the nebulizer for about 9 minutes, or until the medicine in the nebulizer cup is gone.
  • Clean all the parts of the nebulizer after each use.

Formoterol inhalation powder is used with a special inhaler and usually comes with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read the directions carefully before using this medicine. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the inhaler, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask your doctor to check how you use the inhaler to make sure you are using it properly.

To use the formoterol inhalation powder:

  • Dry your hands before handling this medicine.
  • Open the foil pouch containing a blister card of capsules. Do not remove a capsule until you are ready for a dose.
  • Place the capsule only in the capsule-chamber in the base of the inhaler. Do not swallow the capsule and do not place a capsule directly into the mouthpiece.
  • Hold the mouthpiece of the inhaler upright and press both buttons at the same time. Press the buttons only once. You should hear a click as the capsule is being pierced.
  • Breathe out fully. Do not exhale into the mouthpiece.
  • Tilt your head slightly backwards. Keep the inhaler level, with the blue buttons to the left and right. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth then close your lips around the mouthpiece.
  • Breathe in quickly and deeply.
  • Remove the inhaler from your mouth. Hold your breath as long as you can and then exhale.
  • Open the inhaler after using it, and remove and discard the empty capsule. Do not leave the used capsule inside the chamber.
  • Close the mouthpiece and then replace the cover.
  • Do not wash the inhaler. Keep it dry.
  • Do not use a spacer with this medicine.
  • You may reuse your inhaler. But use a new inhaler with each refill of your medicine.
  • Do not use the inhaler for this medicine with any other medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For inhalation dosage form (powder):
    • For preventing an asthma attack:
      • Adults and children 5 years of age and older—12 micrograms (mcg) (1 capsule) by oral inhalation every 12 hours.
      • Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB):
      • Adults and children 5 years of age and older—12 micrograms (mcg) (1 capsule) by oral inhalation at least 15 minutes before exercise, as needed.
      • Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For maintenance treatment of COPD:
      • Adults and children 5 years of age and older—12 micrograms (mcg) (1 capsule) by oral inhalation every 12 hours.
      • Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For inhalation dosage form (solution):
    • For maintenance treatment of COPD:
      • Adults—20 micrograms (mcg) (1 vial) in the nebulizer 2 times a day (morning and evening). Do not use more than 2 vials (40 mcg) per day.
      • Children—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store Foradil® capsules at room temperature, away from heat, light, or moisture. Keep capsules stored in the blister packaging, and do not remove from blister until right before use.

Store the Perforomist® solution in the refrigerator. You may also keep it at room temperature, away from direct heat or light for up to 3 months. Throw away any unused solution after 3 months.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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