Clinical Pharmacology Details


FORMOTEROL FUMARATE


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Indications & Dose:

Reversible airways obstruction in patients requiring longterm regular bronchodilator therapy


Nocturnal asthma in patients requiring longterm regular bronchodilator therapy


Prophylaxis of exercise-induced bronchospasm in patients requiring long-term regular bronchodilator therapy


Chronic asthma in patients who regularly use an inhaled corticosteroid



Child 6–11 years: 12 micrograms twice daily, a daily dose of 24 micrograms of formoterol should be sufficient for the majority of children, particularly for younger agegroups; higher doses should be used rarely, and only when control is not maintained on the lower dose Child 12–17 years: 12 micrograms twice daily, dose may be increased in more severe airway obstruction; increased to 24 micrograms twice daily, a daily dose of 24 micrograms of formoterol should be sufficient for the majority of children, particularly for younger agegroups; higher doses should be used rarely, and only when control is not maintained on the lower dose


Adult: 12 micrograms twice daily, dose may be increased in more severe airway obstruction; increased to 24 micrograms twice daily



Child 12–17 years: 12 micrograms twice daily, dose may be increased in more severe airway obstruction;


increased to 24 micrograms twice daily, a daily dose of 24 micrograms of formoterol should be sufficient for the majority of children, particularly for younger agegroups; higher doses should be used rarely, and only when control is not maintained on the lower dose


Adult: 12 micrograms twice daily, dose may be increased in more severe airway obstruction; increased to 24 micrograms twice daily Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease



Adult: 12 micrograms twice daily



Adult: 12 micrograms twice daily (max. per dose 24 micrograms), for symptom relief additional doses may be taken to maximum daily dose; maximum 48 micrograms per day



Child 6–17 years: 6–12 micrograms 1–2 times a day (max. per dose 12 micrograms), occasionally doses up to the maximum daily may be needed, reassess treatment if additional doses required on more than 2 days a week; maximum 48 micrograms per day


Adult: 6–12 micrograms 1–2 times a day, increased if necessary up to 24 micrograms twice daily (max. per dose 36 micrograms), occasionally doses up to the maximum daily may be needed, reassess treatment if additional doses required on more than 2 days a week; maximum 72 micrograms per day


Relief of bronchospasm



Child 6–17 years: 6–12 micrograms


Adult: 6–12 micrograms


Prophylaxis of exercise-induced bronchospasm



Child 6–17 years: 6–12 micrograms, dose to be taken before exercise


¶ Adult: 12 micrograms, dose to be taken before exercise


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease



Adult: 12 micrograms 1–2 times a day (max. per dose 24 micrograms), for symptom relief additional doses up to maximum daily dose can be taken; maximum 48 micrograms per day 

Contraindications:

Side Effects:

CNS: Nervousness, headache, tremors dizziness


CV: Angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, palpitation


EENT: Dysphonia, pharyngitis


GI: Dry mouth, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia


METAB: Hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis


MS: Muscle cramps


RESP: Broncho spasm, coughing


SKIN: Rash, pruritus


MISC: Fatigue, malaise, insomnia, fever. 

Cautions:

Precautions:

Interaction:

Non-potassium sparing diureticc, xanthine derivatives, steroids:


Theoretical increase in the potential for hypokalemia b-blockers: Decreased action of formoterol, cardioselective b-blockers preferable if concurrent use necessary (e.g., following myocardial infarction)


MAO-inhibitors, tricyclic anti-depressants. Theoretical increase in the potential for prolongation of QTc interval


 

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Pregnancy category C; 3-agonists may potentially interfere with uterine contractility during labor; excretion into breast milk unknown, use caution in nursing mothers

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: