What is the brand name for formoterol (Long-Acting Beta Agonist)?

Brand Name for Formoterol

The brand name for formoterol (a long-acting beta agonist) is Foradil Aerolizer. 1

Formoterol Overview

Formoterol is a selective long-acting beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist (LABA) that provides significant bronchodilation for up to 12 hours following a single dose. It is available under the brand name Foradil Aerolizer as indicated in the FDA drug label 1.

Key Characteristics:

• Duration of action: More than 12 hours 2
• Onset of action: Rapid onset (significant bronchodilation within minutes of inhalation) 3
• Specificity: Very specific for β-adrenergic receptors with low rates of tremor and palpitations 2

Clinical Applications

Formoterol (Foradil) is FDA-approved for:

1. Asthma treatment:

   • Only as concomitant therapy with a long-term asthma control medication (such as an inhaled corticosteroid)
   • For adults and children 5 years of age and older with reversible obstructive airways disease 1

2. Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB):

   • For acute prevention of EIB in adults and children 5 years and older
   • Can be used on an occasional, as-needed basis 1

3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

   • For long-term, twice daily maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction
   • Includes patients with chronic bronchitis and emphysema 1

Important Safety Considerations

Black Box Warning

Long-acting beta2-agonists like formoterol increase the risk of asthma-related death. Therefore:

• Never use formoterol as monotherapy for asthma treatment
• Always use in combination with a long-term asthma control medication (e.g., inhaled corticosteroid)
• Once asthma control is achieved, consider stepping down therapy if possible 1

Pediatric and Adolescent Patients

For pediatric and adolescent patients requiring a LABA in addition to an inhaled corticosteroid, a fixed-dose combination product containing both medications is generally preferred to ensure adherence with both components 1.

Formulation and Delivery

Foradil is delivered via the Aerolizer device as a dry powder inhalation 1, 4. A newer formulation called Foradil Certihaler, which utilizes a multidose dry-powder inhaler device, has also been developed 5.

Clinical Differentiation from Other LABAs

When comparing formoterol to salmeterol (another LABA):

• Formoterol achieves significant bronchodilation more rapidly than salmeterol
• Both medications have similar duration of bronchodilation (approximately 12 hours) 3, 6

Formoterol is also available as arformoterol (R,R-formoterol), which is a single isomer form of formoterol developed by Sepracor for respiratory disorders 7.