What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Foradil (Formoterol Fumarate)
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Product Details
Description
Your healthcare provider may have prescribed Foradil to treat a chronic lung condition. This medication is indicated for:
- Treatment of asthma in patients five years or older when combined with other long-term inhalers
- Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in patients five years or older
- Treatment of bronchoconstriction in COPD
Foradil is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). These medications work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchioles in the lungs. By doing so, Foradil helps to reduce the daily symptoms of lung disease.Fact Table
Formula
C19H24N2O4
License
EU EMA
Bioavailability
60%
Legal status
Rx-only
Chemical Name
Formoterol
Elimination half-life
10 hours
Dosage (Strength)
12mcg
Pregnancy
No Known Risk
Brands
Oxeze, Foradil
Protein binding
61% to 64%
PubChem CID
3083544
MedlinePlus
a602023
ChEBI
408174
ATC code
R03AC13
DrugBank
DB00983
KEGG
D07990
Routes of administration
Inhalation
Directions
The usual dosage for asthma or COPD is inhaling one capsule by mouth twice daily.
For exercise-induced bronchospasm, inhale one capsule 15 minutes before physical activity.
Do not swallow the capsule. Use the included inhaler device.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Foradil is formoterol fumarate.
Interactions
Common interactions with this drug may include:
- Atomoxetine
- Atosiban
- Beta2-Agonists
- Beta-Blockers
- Caffeine and Caffeine Containing Products
- Cannabinoid-Containing Products
- Cocaine (Topical)
- Doxofylline
- Guanethidine
- Haloperidol
- Inhalational Anesthetics
- Kratom
- Linezolid
- Loop Diuretics
- Loxapine
- Methacholine
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
- Ozanimod
- QT-prolonging Agents
- Solriamfetol
- Sympathomimetics
- Tedizolid
- Theophylline Derivatives
- Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics
- Tricyclic Antidepressants
Cautions
Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or nervous system disease before starting this drug.
Stop taking this drug if symptoms get worse upon starting.
Ask your doctor for a full list of precautions.
Side Effects
Side effects of Foradil can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Agitation
- Anaphylaxis
- Angina pectoris
- Anxiety
- Atrial fibrillation
- Behavioral changes
- Bronchitis
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Decreased glucose tolerance
- Dermatitis
- Diarrhea
- Disturbed sleep
- Dizziness
- Dysgeusia
- Dyspepsia
- Dyspnea
- Exacerbation of asthma
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Gastroenteritis
- Headache
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
- Hypokalemia
- Insomnia
- Malaise
- Metabolic acidosis
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle spasm
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Palpitations
- Paradoxical bronchospasm
- Pharyngitis
- Prolonged QT interval on ECG
- Pruritus
- Respiratory tract infection
- Restlessness
- Sinusitis
- Skin rash
- Tachycardia
- Tonsillitis
- Tremor
- Urticaria
- Variable blood pressure
- Ventricular premature contractions
- Voice disorder
- Vomiting
- Xerostomia
References
Foradil [package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc; 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions about Foradil (Formoterol Fumarate)
What is Foradil used for?
Foradil is used for the treatment of asthma in patients 5 years old, prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in patients 5 years old, and maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How should Foradil be administered?
Foradil is administered through oral inhalation only, using the Aerolizer inhaler. For asthma treatment, it's inhaled once every 12 hours. For EIB prevention, it's inhaled at least 15 minutes before exercise and for COPD, it's inhaled once every 12 hours.
What are the potential side effects of Foradil?
Some side effects include seizures, angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, and insomnia. Also, hypersensitivity reactions like anaphylactic reactions, urticaria, angioedema, rash, and bronchospasm may occur.
What should I do if I experience paradoxical bronchospasm?
If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs, discontinue Foradil immediately and seek alternative therapy.
What precautions should be taken when using Foradil?
Use with caution if you have cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. It should also be used cautiously in patients with convulsive disorders or thyrotoxicosis and in those unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines.
Can Foradil be used with other Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists (LABAs)?
No, Foradil should not be used with other LABAs as it may result in overdose.
Is Foradil a reliever or preventer medication?
Foradil is a long-acting bronchodilator used as a preventer medication to manage symptoms and improve breathing, but it's not indicated for relief of acute bronchospasm.
Is Foradil safe for children?
Yes, Foradil can be used in children who are at least 5 years old for the treatment of asthma and prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
What class of drug does Foradil belong to?
Foradil belongs to the class of drugs known as bronchodilators, specifically Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists (LABAs).
What should be done in case of an overdose?
In case of overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats, nervousness, headache, tremor, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, and insomnia.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 1544
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