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Formoterol

Formoterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist that relaxes the muscles around the airways to ease breathing in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Foracort Inhaler is the only product here, pairing formoterol with budesonide across three strengths.

Foracort Inhaler

Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

100mcg + 6mcg · 200mcg + 6mcg · 400mcg + 6mcg

Formoterol and budesonide inhaler for asthma and COPD. The budesonide reduces swelling while formoterol opens the airways.

From$40.40/ inhalerView

Key points

  • Long-acting beta2-agonists such as formoterol increase the risk of asthma-related death, a finding considered a class effect of LABAs.
  • Formoterol must not be used for asthma without a concomitant long-term controller such as an inhaled corticosteroid.
  • Controlled trial data suggest LABAs increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalisation in children and adolescents.

How does Formoterol work?

Formoterol activates beta2 receptors on the smooth muscle lining the airways. This causes the muscle to relax and the airway to open, reducing wheeze and breathlessness. The effect is sustained, which is why formoterol is classified as a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) and used as a maintenance treatment rather than a rescue inhaler.

Formoterol does not reduce the inflammation that causes the airways to narrow in the first place. A controller medicine such as budesonide addresses that swelling, which is why the two are combined in Foracort, a Respiratory Health inhaler from Cipla.

Further reading