Health Centres - Foradil (formoterol)
How does it work?
Foradil inhalation capsules contain the active ingredient formoterol (previously known as eformoterol in the UK), which is a type of medicine called a long-acting beta 2 agonist. (NB. Formoterol inhalers are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)
Formoterol works by acting on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. When formoterol stimulates these receptors it causes the muscles in the airways to relax. This allows the airways to open.
In conditions where there is narrowing of the airways, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, eg emphysema and chronic bronchitis), it is difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By opening the airways, formoterol makes it easier to breathe.
Formoterol starts to work in one to three minutes and its effects last for about 12 hours. Due to its long-lasting effect, it is taken regularly twice a day to help keep the airways open. It can also be used to prevent asthma attacks, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, for example before exercise or at night. As formoterol starts to work quickly, it will work to relieve an asthma attack. However, current asthma management guidelines recommend that formoterol is only used as a preventer (ie on a regular basis) and that short-acting beta 2 agonists such as salbutamol or terbutaline (relievers) should used when required to relieve shortness of breath.
Formoterol is taken using an inhaler device. Inhaling the medicine allows it to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most. It also reduces the potential for side effects in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed into the blood through the lungs is lower than if it were taken by mouth. Foradil inhalation capsules are used with a breath-actuated inhaler device.
What is it used for?
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Asthma.
In people whose asthma is not controlled with short-acting bronchodilators (eg salbutamol) and regular inhaled corticosteroids (eg beclometasone, budesonide, fluticasone), this medicine is used as an additional regular inhaler to help keep the airways open. It is particularly useful for preventing shortness of breath caused by exercise, and for taking before bed to prevent shortness of breath that is worse at night. It can also be used to relieve an asthma attack (but see recommendations above).
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Foradil is used as a regular inhaler to help keep the airways open but can also be used to relieve wheezing, shortness of breath and chest-tightness in people with COPD.
Warning!
- Foradil capsules are for use in the inhaler device only. The capsules should not be taken by mouth. You should make sure you know how to use this inhaler properly (instructions will be provided inside the box). You can ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for help if you are unsure about anything.
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