What is formoterol fumarate (Formoterol) and what is its dosing frequency?

From the Guidelines

Formoterol fumarate should be used at a dose not exceeding 24 mcg daily, and it is recommended to be taken twice daily, about 12 hours apart, in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid for long-term control of asthma. Formoterol fumarate is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) medication used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making breathing easier 1. The daily use of LABA, such as formoterol, should not exceed 100 mcg salmeterol or 24 mcg formoterol, as determined by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 1. It is essential to note that formoterol should not be used alone for asthma treatment but should be combined with an inhaled corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, as using LABAs alone can potentially increase the risk of severe asthma episodes 1. Key points to consider when using formoterol fumarate include:

• The medication should be used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid for long-term control of asthma
• The daily dose should not exceed 24 mcg
• Formoterol fumarate should be taken twice daily, about 12 hours apart
• Patients should be instructed not to stop ICS therapy while taking LABA, even though their symptoms may significantly improve 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Formoterol Fumarate Inhalation Solution is a long-acting beta2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) used to control the symptoms of COPD in adults with COPD. The usual dose of Formoterol Fumarate Inhalation Solution is 1 unit dose vial, 2 times each day (morning and evening) breathed in through your nebulizer machine. The 2 doses should be about 12 hours apart.

Formoterol Fumarate is a long-acting beta2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) used to control the symptoms of COPD in adults with COPD.

• The recommended dose is 1 unit dose vial, 2 times each day (morning and evening) breathed in through a nebulizer machine.
• The 2 doses should be about 12 hours apart.
• A total daily dose greater than 40 mcg is not recommended 2, 2.

From the Research

Formoterol Fumarate

• Formoterol fumarate is a selective long-acting beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist (LABA) that provides significant and sustained bronchodilatory effect for up to 12h following a single dose 3.
• The onset of effect is significantly faster with formoterol compared with an alternative LABA, salmeterol, although both have a similar duration of action 3, 4.

Dosage and Administration

• Formoterol is typically administered twice daily, with a dosage range of 6 to 24 micrograms 4, 5.
• The therapeutic efficacy of inhaled formoterol has been equal to or greater than that of salbutamol (albuterol), fenoterol, and terbutaline in both short and long-term clinical trials 4, 5.
• Formoterol provides additional benefit when administered in combination with other bronchodilators or inhaled corticosteroids 3, 6.

Clinical Use

• Formoterol is used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma 3, 4.
• It is recommended for use as an alternative to increasing inhaled steroid dosage in patients whose symptoms are inadequately controlled despite therapy with low to moderate doses of inhaled steroids and intermittent short-acting beta2-agonists 4.
• Formoterol is also used for preventing exercise-induced asthma in adults and children, and confers significantly more protection than salbutamol when administered 3 and 12 hours before exercise 4, 5.