Formoterol

2 medicines

Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator used for asthma and COPD. In asthma it must always be combined with an inhaled corticosteroid, never used alone, because LABA monotherapy increases the risk of severe attacks and asthma-related death.

Dulera

Mometasone, Formoterol

6/200mcg

Dulera is a asthma respiratory medication containing Mometasone + Formoterol, available as 6/200mcg inhalers.

from $52.70 / inhaler View

Symbicort

Budesonide, Formoterol

160/4.5mcg

Symbicort is a asthma respiratory medication containing Budesonide + Formoterol, available as 160/4.5mcg inhalers.

from $46.75 / inhaler View

Key facts

  • Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). It relaxes the muscle around the airways so they stay open for about 12 hours per dose.
  • It is inhaled once or twice daily as a regular preventer medicine, not as a rescue inhaler for sudden breathlessness, since its full effect takes some minutes to build.
  • In asthma, formoterol must always be used together with an inhaled corticosteroid, never on its own. Taking a LABA without a corticosteroid increases the risk of severe asthma attacks and asthma-related death.
  • Seek urgent care for chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or breathing difficulty that does not improve with your reliever inhaler.

What formoterol treats

Formoterol is used to control ongoing symptoms of asthma, always combined with an inhaled corticosteroid, and of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where it can be used with or without a corticosteroid. Some combination inhalers containing formoterol and budesonide are also approved for use as an as-needed reliever in asthma, under specific dosing rules set by your prescriber.

How formoterol works

Airway muscle contracts and narrows the tubes that carry air into the lungs. Formoterol binds to beta-2 receptors on that muscle, telling it to relax. The airways widen and stay open for around 12 hours, making it easier to breathe.

Before you take it

  • Do not use formoterol alone to treat asthma; check that your inhaler also contains a corticosteroid, or that you are prescribed one separately.
  • Tell your prescriber about heart rhythm problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, or diabetes, since formoterol can raise heart rate and blood sugar.
  • Tell your prescriber about other medicines that affect potassium levels or heart rhythm, including certain diuretics and some antidepressants.
  • Do not use more than your prescribed dose or frequency; overuse increases the risk of heart-related side effects.

Side effects

Common effects include tremor, headache, throat irritation, muscle cramps and a fast heartbeat, especially when starting treatment.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Chest pain or a rapid, irregular or pounding heartbeat.
  • Worsening breathlessness or wheeze that does not respond to your reliever inhaler.
  • Severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing.
  • Signs of low potassium, such as muscle weakness or cramps.

Safety essentials

  • Never use formoterol as the only asthma treatment. Regulatory warnings require it to be paired with an inhaled corticosteroid because LABA monotherapy raises the risk of severe attacks and death.
  • If your reliever inhaler is needed more often than usual, or symptoms worsen despite formoterol, contact your prescriber; this can signal that your asthma or COPD is not controlled.
  • Do not exceed the prescribed number of daily doses, since higher-than-recommended use raises the risk of heart rhythm disturbances.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.