Foradil

What is it?

A bronchodilator and selective lIz-agonist available as clear capsules containing 12µg of formotorol fumarate, for use with a breath-activated inhaler.

Medical Uses

For long-term use in patients with reversible obstruction of the airways (ROAD) and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), who benefit from regular treatment with bronchodilators.

Dosage

Adults, ROAD, 1 capsule inhaled in the morning and a second dose in the evening; in very severe cases, the dose may be doubles to 2 capsules night and morning. The maximum daily dose is 4 capsules. Adults and children over 5 years, COPD, 1 capsule inhaled in the morning with the dose repeated at night. In very severe cases, 2 capsules twice each day in the morning and at night.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes, serious heart and circulatory disease, thyrotoxicosis (toxicity of thyroid gland), severe asthma. Use for chronic conditions only and not to treat acute asthma attack; continue with steroid therapy.

Avoid Use

Children under 5 years.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Steroids, antidepressants, β-blockers, antiarrhythmics, xanthines, sympathomimetics.

Known Side Effects

Headaches, trembling, palpitations; rarely, muscle and joint pains, anxiety, raised heartbeat rate, dizziness, insomnia, unexplained bronchospasm, low blood potassium levels.

Manufacturer

Novartis.