Oxis Turbohaler

What is it?

A selective 132-agonist available as a powder for use with a breath- activated inhaler device, in 2 strengths, containing 6µg and 12µg of eformoterol fumerate.

Medical Uses

Asthma, to relieve bronchospasm when corticosteroids are not sufficiently effective. Exercise-induced asthma.

Dosage

Adults, bronchospasm, 6 to 12µg once or twice each day, inhaled in morning and/or at night. The maximum maintenance dose is 48mng in divided doses each day. Exercise-induced asthma, 12µg prior to starting activity. Additional doses up to 72µg each day in divided doses can be occasionally given, but consult manufacturer's literature and according to medical advice. Children, aged over 6 years, bronchospasm, 12µg once or twice each day inhaled in morning and/ or at night. Maximum daily dose is 24µg, divided. Exercise-induced asthma, 12µg inhaled before starting activity.

Special Care

Pregnancy, severe and acute asthma, severe heart failure, subvalvular aortic stenosis (narrowed aorta), toxicosis of thyroid gland, aneurysm, diabetes, hypertrophic, obstructive, cardiomyopathy (enlarged, damaged heart muscle), severe high blood pressure, phaeochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour), arrhythmias of tachycardic origin, ischaemic heart disease, prolongation of QT interval (part of ECG).

Avoid Use

Children aged under 6 years, breastfeeding. Not for acute asthma attacks. Do not reduce or stop prescribed steroids.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs that prolong QT interval, antiarrhythmics, 1blockers, anaesthetics, MAOIs, sympathcmimetics.

Known Side Effects

Headache, tremor, palpitations. In rare cases, disturbed sleep, low blood potassium levels, agitation, rash, muscular cramps.

Manufacturer

Astrazeneea.