From the Guidelines
No, formoterol is not a Short-Acting Beta-Agonist (SABA) but rather a Long-Acting Beta-Agonist (LABA). Formoterol typically has a duration of action of 12 hours, compared to SABAs like albuterol which last only 4-6 hours 1. Formoterol is commonly used as a maintenance medication for asthma and COPD, often in combination with inhaled corticosteroids in products such as Symbicort (formoterol/budesonide) 1. The medication works by binding to beta-2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation through increased cyclic AMP production. Unlike SABAs, formoterol should not be used for rescue or quick relief of acute symptoms due to its slower onset of action. Patients using formoterol should still have a SABA rescue inhaler available for breakthrough symptoms. The typical dose of formoterol is 12 mcg twice daily via inhalation, though this may vary depending on the specific formulation and condition being treated.
Some key points to consider when using formoterol include:
- It is a LABA, not a SABA, and should be used for maintenance therapy rather than rescue therapy 1
- It is often used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for asthma and COPD management 1
- Patients using formoterol should have a SABA rescue inhaler available for breakthrough symptoms 1
- The typical dose of formoterol is 12 mcg twice daily via inhalation, but this may vary depending on the specific formulation and condition being treated.
Overall, formoterol is an important medication for the management of asthma and COPD, but it should be used correctly and in conjunction with other therapies as needed.
From the FDA Drug Label
Formoterol Fumarate Inhalation Solution should not be used for the relief of acute symptoms, i. e., as rescue therapy for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm. Acute symptoms should be treated with an inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist
Formoterol is not a Short-Acting Beta-Agonist (SABA), it is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) 2.
From the Research
Definition of SABA and Formoterol
- A Short-Acting Beta-Agonist (SABA) is a type of medication that provides quick relief from asthma symptoms by relaxing the airway muscles 3.
- Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) with a rapid onset of action, used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 3.
Comparison of Formoterol with SABA
- Formoterol has a longer duration of action (12 hours) compared to SABAs (3-6 hours) 3.
- Studies have shown that formoterol can be used as a reliever medication, similar to SABAs, due to its rapid onset of action 4.
- However, formoterol is not classified as a SABA due to its longer duration of action and mechanism of action as a LABA [(3,4)].
Clinical Use of Formoterol
- Formoterol is often used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for the maintenance treatment of asthma [(5,6)].
- The combination of ICS and formoterol has been shown to be effective in reducing asthma exacerbations and improving symptom control [(5,6)].
- Recent guidelines recommend the use of ICS-formoterol as a reliever therapy in adults and adolescents with mild asthma, instead of SABA monotherapy 7.