Formotherol: instructions for use, analogs, form of release, testimonials

Problems with the lungs - this is not a joke. They not only cause discomfort, worsen well-being, but can provoke various complications. For example, asthma can even lead to death. The preparation "Formoterol", the instruction on which application will be presented below, is just intended for the treatment of pathologies of the respiratory system. However, note that it is used to combat a narrow range of diseases.

Features of the drug

The agent is a blocker of beta-adrenergic receptors, that is , it can expand bronchial lumens. In doing so, it significantly slows the release of leukotriens and histamine from lung tissue. The main active ingredient is fumartate dihydrate.

The drug is effective after 5 minutes, and its maximum effect is achieved after 2 hours. If the bronchial patency is broken, then the drug can maintain its effectiveness for about 10 hours. This makes it possible to alleviate the patient's condition for a long time.

A significant part of the product after inhalation enters the stomach. There, the components are absorbed. The half-life of the drug is approximately 13 hours. Its components accumulate and are metabolized in the liver. The drug is excreted in the urine. Its bioavailability is more than 40%. And with blood plasma, he binds to 68%.

The most basic document that you should read before using Formoterol is the instructions for use. The form of the preparation is not one, there are several of them: capsules with powder, dosed powder in a bottle, aerosol dosed. Regardless of which one you purchased, the medicine is used only for inhalations. Sold in a cardboard box.

What indications for use exist?

If you have already used Formoterol, the instructions for use (synonyms for the drug we'll look at later) point to a fairly narrow range of uses. It is possible to single out such indications for use:

• Treatment and prevention of sharp narrowing of bronchial lumens - spasm.
• Asthma. In this case, the drug is not essential, but is used only to support the body.
• Chronical bronchitis.
• Pulmonary emphysema.
• Allergic bronchial spasm. The fact is that the drug can inhibit the release of histamine.
• Obstructive inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, which is accompanied by a violation of air patency in them.

In what cases is the drug prohibited?

Not everyone can take Formorol. Instructions for use indicate such contraindications:

• Too high sensitivity to the main or additional components of the drug, which can lead to worsening of the condition.
• Excessive production of hormones by the thyroid gland is thyrotoxicosis.
• Steady increase in blood pressure.
• Pregnancy and the period of feeding. The fact is that there have not been any studies in this area. That is, it is not known whether the main component will be excreted with milk. Therefore, if the drug still needs to be taken, then it is better to stop breastfeeding. With regard to pregnancy, then everything is decided by the attending doctor.
• Heart rhythm disorder: arrhythmia, tachycardia.
• Cardiac ischemia. The interaction of certain drugs can lead to problems in the operation of the ventricles.
• Age to 5 years. For young children, the drug presented is very severe.

Possible side effects

"Formoterol" (instructions for use in each package) can provoke some unwanted reactions, although their likelihood is low when observing the rules for taking the drug. There may be such side effects:

1. From the side of the nervous system: pain and twisting in the head, tremors, cramps, sleep disorders, nervousness, increased anxiety.
2. On the part of the cardiovascular system: the rapidity or irregularity of the rhythm of the heartbeat, angina, persistent decrease or increase in blood pressure.
3. From the gastrointestinal tract: nausea and vomiting, dryness of the oral mucosa, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach), dyspepsia (difficulty digestion, which can be accompanied by pain syndrome).
4. On the part of the respiratory system: infectious diseases of the bronchi, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, exacerbation of asthma, voice disruption.
5. Other: pain in the chest, an allergic reaction in the form of a rash, itching, anaphylactic shock.

Features of the drug

If you need to take Formorol, the instructions for use tell you about these dosages:

• With bronchial asthma, you need to do inhalation every 12 hours for 12 mcg. Only 1-2 breaths are enough. Thus, the body is supported. If the attack can be provoked by physical exertion, it is better to take the drug 15 minutes before the start of the proposed work, and the dosage is the same.
• To support obstructive pulmonary disease, inhalation should be administered twice a day for 12 μg.

It should be borne in mind that it is possible to use the presented medicine no more often than once every 12 hours. That is, the maximum daily dose should not exceed 24 mcg. The product is intended for inhalation only. If the doctor prescribed Formotrol, the instructions for use (aerosol is most often used), prohibits taking it intravenously, intramuscularly, orally.

If there was an overdose

Are you forced to take formoterol? Instructions for use (prescription drug can be bought at the pharmacy only by special permission of the doctor) is in the box for a reason. It clearly indicates the dosage of the medicine. But if for some reason you violated these instructions, an overdose may occur. It is determined by such signs: tachycardia, dry mouth, pain in the head, nausea. If you do not correct the situation in time, then even a lethal outcome is quite possible.

In case of an overdose, it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance. Treatment should be symptomatic. In this case, the further use of the medicine ceases. During treatment, it is necessary to monitor the work of the heart with the help of electrocardiography. During the recovery period after an overdose, the patient should be under the constant supervision of specialists.

Features of drug interaction with other drugs

Do you take Formotherol? Instructions for use (analogues have a similar composition) contains information on the features of its combination with other drugs. For example, care must be taken when applying it simultaneously with adrenergic agents.

Pathological decrease in the level of potassium in the body can trigger a combination of Formoterol with diuretics, steroids, and xanthine derivatives. However, potassium is not a constant state. And there is no need for any external replenishment of the amount of this element in the body.

Try not to take this medication with tricyclic antidepressants. Combination of it with beta-blockers leads to mutual blocking of the action of these drugs. That is, they will not benefit from it, but the harm can be serious.

Joint reception with such tools as "Quinidine", "Dizopiramid" can be dangerous, as it provokes the development of cardiac ventricular arrhythmias. If there is a cardiac reaction to the drug, then it must be urgently canceled.

special instructions

"Formoterol" (the instruction to you is already known) has some features of application:

• Do not use the drug to eliminate an asthma attack. There are other means for this. If Formoterol is needed, the instructions for use (reviews about it are generally good) suggests that it is only an addition to the main therapy. If during treatment you feel that the condition worsens, then you should immediately contact a doctor.
• Do not take this medicine instead of corticosteroids. "Formoterol" does not have a pronounced anti-inflammatory function. In this case, the use of corticosteroids should be continued without reducing the dose prescribed by the doctor.
• It is very cautious to treat the remedy for women who have uterine fibroids diagnosed, as well as people with diabetes mellitus.
• Do not immediately after the admission to drive or engage in activities that require increased attention.
• Do not use the product during labor. The fact is that the main active substance can adversely affect uterine contraction.

Analogues and features of storage

Most often, patients prefer an inhaler that contains 100 single-use doses. Store the product in a cool and dark place, but it is undesirable to freeze it. Direct sunlight should not fall on the bottle. Do not place the medicine near a heat source.

If this drug does not suit you, you can consult with your doctor about analogues. Among them can be identified such: "Atimos", "Oxis", "Foradil", "Bronchoril", "Shadrin". Please note that you can not buy and take any other medicines yourself.

Reviews and expiration date

As for the reviews, users note a good, fast and lasting effect. However, the presented medicine has a rather high cost: 1300-1600 rubles. This is not affordable for all patients. Also, reviews report that after the abolition of the preparation of a violent spasmodic reaction of the bronchi is not noted.

Shelf life of the drug is 2 years. However, after you open the inhaler, you can discard it after 4 months. Eliminate any possibility of getting the drug into the hands of children. After use, the vial lid should be tightly closed.

That's all. Remember that self-treatment is fraught with a lethal outcome. Be healthy!