Foradil (formoterol fumarate)

Foradil Description

Foradil contains formoterol that is a long acting bronchodilator for relaxing muscles in your airways so as to improve breathing. This medication is primarily used to avoid bronchospasm in individuals with reversible obstructive airways disorder including nighttime asthma problems. Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema are also treated with this medication. Marketed by Merck & Co, Foradil prevents asthma symptoms.

Every Foradil aerolizer comes with an aluminum blister pack containing 12 mcg Foradil gelatin (clear) capsules, medication guide and one aerolizer inhaler. You can either get a box of 12 or a box of 60. Before dispensing, store capsules in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degree Celsius and after dispensing, storing temperature should be between 20 and 25 degree Celsius. Foradil capsules should be stored only at room temperature and kept away from heat, light and moisture. Every capsule must be retained in the blister pack until it is put to use. Handle these capsules only with dry hands.

Conditions treated by Foradil

Foradil is meant for long-term use to be taken twice daily in asthma maintenance treatment and also in preventing bronchospasm in adults. Children above 5 years of age with reversible obstructive airways disorder and patients with nocturnal asthma symptoms are also treated using this medication. This inhaled corticosteroid prevents wheezing and asthma symptoms. Exercise induced bronchospasm is also treated by this medication.

Foradil Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

Foradil is used for long term and the drug is usually recommended to be taken twice every day. Foradil capsules are meant to be taken using the aerolizer inhaler only. For both children and adults above 5 years of age, the recommended dosage is inhaling contents of a single 12 mcg capsule for every 12 hours by making use of the inhaler. You should not exhale into this device. The total dosage daily should not exceed 24 mcg. Larger number of inhalations or frequent administrations is neither recommended nor considered efficient.

To avoid asthma that is exercise induced in children and adults over 5 years of age, the recommended dose is inhaling a 12 mcg capsule through the aerolizer at least 15 minutes before the workout. Such protection will last for a maximum period of 12 hours. The efficacy of daily dosing is not established in this case. In the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, one 12 mcg Foradil capsule is to be inhaled every 12 hours using the aerolizer. Total dose every day should be restricted to 24 mcg.

b.) Missing a Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember that you have missed it but if it is time for your subsequent dose; do not take the missed one. Do not take extra doses to catch up. It may prove harmful.

c.) Overdosing

Contacting the Poison Helpline or getting medical attention as soon as possible are some of the activities you should try if you think you are overdosed. Overdosing symptoms can include convulsions or seizures, fainting, light headedness, weakness, irregular or fast heartbeats, chest pain, tremors, insomnia, nausea, dryness in mouth and nervousness.

Foradil Warnings

When you are using Foradil, stay away from another form of formoterol like Symbicort or other similar long acting bronchodilators (inhaled) like arformoterol or salmeterol unless your doctor has prescribed you to. Formoterol can increase risks associated with deaths caused by asthma especially if you use higher doses or for an extended period of time. Foradil should not be used for an asthma attack that has struck already. Changing medication schedule or doses without consulting your doctor can prove dangerous. You should not use the device with a spacer. Formoterol capsules are only meant to be used in a Foradil Aerolizer. Only one capsule should be used at one point of time. Do not take these capsules orally or place them in the mouthpiece of the aerolizer.

If the drug is used to avoid asthma that is exercise induced, use the medication at least 15 minutes prior to exercising. There should be a gap of at least 12 hours between each medication. Where your find a higher need for medication, it could be an early signal for an impending asthma attack. When you exhaust Foradil capsules, throw away the device that has come with it. Do not reuse. Foradil must be combined with another asthma medication to control the problem and should not be used as a mono therapy. The effects of this medication on unborn babies are not determined and therefore, consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Similarly, breastfeeding mothers should also seek expert advice before using the medication. Foradil should not be administered to kids below 5 years of age.

Foradil Side Effects

Allergic reactions from taking the drug are possible in certain individuals. Symptoms of allergic reaction include:

• breathing difficulties
• swelling of face, lips, tongue and throat
• skin rashes

Contact your health care professional if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• feeling of restlessness
• shaking
• tremors
• pounding or fast heartbeats
• chest pain
• breathing issues after using this drug, choking, wheezing
• more urination
• increased hunger or thirst
• aggravating symptoms of asthma.

Less serious issues include:

• headache
• anxiety
• dizziness
• sleep issues
• muscle cramps
• back pain
• stuffed nose
• cough
• dryness in mouth
• sore throat
• itching and skin rashes
• changes in voice

Possible Drug Interactions With Foradil

If your doctor prescribes Foradil, you must inform him when you are taking one or more of the following drugs:

• cisapride
• Droperidol
• methadone
• pentamidine
• diuretic or water pill
• stimulant medication
• cold medicine
• diet pills or caffeine

Other interacting medications include:

• antibiotics such as:
  • Ketek (telithromycin)
  • erythromycin
  • Biaxin(clarithromycin)
  • Zithromax (azithromycin)
• medicines for treating psychiatric disorders such as:
  • Mellaril (thioridazine)
  • Haldol (haloperidol)
  • Orap (pimozide)
• heart rhythm drugs such as:
  • Betapace (sotalol)
  • Quinidine
  • procainamide
  • Cordarone (amiodarone)

If you have any questions about buying discount Foradil online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.