Active Ingredients in Dulera
Dulera contains two active medications: mometasone furoate (an inhaled corticosteroid) and formoterol fumarate (a long-acting beta2-agonist). 1, 2
Medication Components
Mometasone furoate: A synthetic corticosteroid that provides anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory Th2 cytokines, reducing interleukin release, and inhibiting leukotriene synthesis 3
Formoterol fumarate dihydrate: A long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) with rapid onset of action that provides bronchodilation lasting up to 12 hours 4, 1
Delivery System
Dulera is administered via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a dose counter 1
The combination is available in different strengths, with the most commonly studied being 100/5 μg per inhalation (delivered as 2 inhalations for a total dose of 200/10 μg twice daily) 5, 6
Clinical Rationale for Combination
The fixed-dose combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and LABA is recommended in national and international asthma guidelines for patients with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma 3
Co-administration of mometasone furoate and formoterol produces additive effects for improving symptoms, lung function, and reducing exacerbations 2, 7
Combination therapy in a single inhaler facilitates adherence to medication regimens compared to using separate inhalers 7
Important Safety Considerations
LABAs increase the risk of asthma-related death and hospitalizations when used without an inhaled corticosteroid, which is why formoterol should never be used as monotherapy for asthma 4
The combination must be used as maintenance therapy only, not for acute symptom relief 4
Patients should continue using a separate short-acting beta2-agonist (like albuterol) for rescue therapy 4