Available as:
Indications
Foratec Inhaler is used for:
Asthma,Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, COPD
Adult Dose
Inhalation
Prophylaxis of exercise-induced asthma
Adult: 12 mcg at least 15 min prior to exercise. Additional doses should not be taken w/in 12 hr.
Asthma
Adult: As inhalation cap: 12 mcg bid via inhaler device, may be increased up to 24 mcg bid as necessary for severe cases.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Adult: As inhalation cap: 12 mcg bid via inhaler device.
As metered-dose dry powd inhaler: 12 mcg 1-2 times daily.
Additional doses may be given as required. Max: 48 mcg/day (24 mcg/dose).
Child Dose
Inhalation
Prophylaxis of exercise-induced asthma
Child: >5 yr 12 mcg at least 15 min prior to exercise. Additional doses should not be taken w/in 12 hr.
Asthma
Child: As inhalational cap: >5 yr 12 mcg bid via inhaler device.
As metered-dose dry powd inhaler: >6 yr 6-12 mcg 1-2 times daily.
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity.
Precautions
Thyrotoxicosis; severe CV disorders e.g. ischaemic heart disease, tachyarrhythmias or severe heart burn; prolonged QT-interval. DM; pregnancy; lactation; children <5 yr; do not initiate or increase the dose during an exacerbation. May produce paradoxical bronchospasm.
Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk, use caution
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, steroids or diuretics may potentiate a possible hypokalaemic effect of beta-agonists. Increased susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmias in patients treated with digitalis. Concomitant use with quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide, phenothiazines, antihistamines, MAOI or TCAs can prolong the QT-interval and increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. L-dopa, L-thyroxine, oxytocin and alcohol can impair cardiac tolerance towards beta2-sympathomimetics. beta-adrenergic blockers can inhibit the effect of formoterol. Increased risk of arrhythmias in patients receiving concomitant anaesthesia with halogenated hydrocarbons.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Formoterol Fumarate :
>10%
Viral infection (17.2%)
1-10%
Bronchitis (4.6%),Chest infection (2.7%),Dyspnea (2.1%),Chest pain (1.9%),Tremor (1.9%),Dizziness (1.6%)
Frequency Not Defined
Angina,Arrhythmias,Hypo/hypertension,Tachycardia,Hypokalemia,Hyperglycemia,Metabolic acidosis,Headache,Insomnia,Paradoxical bronchospasm,Severe asthma exacerbation
Mechanism of Action
Formoterol relaxes the bronchial smooth muscle by selectively acting on beta2-receptors with minimal effect on heart rate. It has a long-acting effect.
Note
Foratec Inhaler manufactured by Cipla Ltd.. Its generic name is Formoterol Fumarate. Foratec is availble in Nepal.
Farmaco Nepal drug index information on Foratec Inhaler is not intended for diagnosis, medical advice or treatment; neither intended to be a substitute for the exercise of professional judgment.