Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Perforomist
- Beta2 Agonists
Description
Inhaled long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA); given twice daily via nebulization
Used for the maintenance treatment of COPD in adults
Not indicated as monotherapy to treat asthma; do not use for acute bronchospasm or acute deteriorations of COPD
Indications
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Asthma treatment without an inhaled corticosteroid
Adverse Effects
- Viral infection (17.2%)
- Bronchitis (4.6%)
- Chest infection (2.7%)
- Dyspnea (2.1%)
- Chest pain (1.9%)
- Tremor (1.9%)
- Dizziness (1.6%)
- Angina
- Arrhythmias
- Hypo/hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Hypokalemia
- Hyperglycemia
- Metabolic acidosis
- Headache
Warnings
Coexisting conditions including cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, aneurysm, and pheochromocytoma
Life-threatening paradoxical bronchospasm can occur; discontinue immediately
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur (eg, anaphylactic reactions, urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm)
Available data do not suggest an increased risk of death with use of LABA in patients with COPD
As with other inhaled beta2-adrenergic drugs, inhalation solution should not be used more often, at higher doses than recommended, or in conjunction with other medications containing long-acting beta2-agonists; an overdose may result; clinically significant cardiovascular effects and fatalities reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs
Beta-agonist medications may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects; the decrease in serum potassium is usually transient, not requiring supplementation
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk, use caution
Maximum Dosage
40 mcg/day via nebulizer.
40 mcg/day via nebulizer.
Safety and efficacy of nebulization have not been established. Previously available inhalers were approved in children as young as 5 years of age.
Safety and efficacy of nebulization have not been established. Previously available inhalers were approved in children as young as 5 years of age.
Safety and efficacy of nebulization have not been established.
How supplied
Formoterol fumarate
solution for inhalation
- 20mcg/2mL
