How does Foradil work?
Foradil Aerolizer is a preventative medication. It is used for the long-term, twice-daily administration in the maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Formoterol stimulates receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors, causing the muscles in the airways to relax and open. It starts to work in one to three minutes and lasts for approximately 12 hours.

Usage:
-Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and emphysema
-The maintenance treatment of asthma in those five years and older when taken on a long-term, twice-daily basis.
-The acute prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in those 5 years of age and older when administered on an occasional (as-needed) basis at least 15 minutes before exercise.

Side Effects:
Increased blood pressure
Fast and irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Headache
Tremor
Nervousness
Dry mouth
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Dizziness, Tiredness
Low blood potassium
High blood sugar
Trouble sleeping

Precautions:
Foradil belongs to a class of medications known as long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists or LABAs. In patients with asthma, LABAs may increase the chance of asthma-related death. Foradil should only be used as additional therapy for patients not adequately controlled on other asthma controller medications.

Foradil capsules should only be inhaled orally using the Aerolizer inhaler. The capsules should not be swallowed.

Foradil Aerolizer should not be used to treat acute symptoms. Acute symptoms should be treated with fast-acting rescue inhalers. Do not use more than one capsule twice daily. Foradil Aerolizer should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders. Foradil Aerolizer is not a substitute for inhaled or oral corticosteroids and, in the treatment of asthma, they should not be stopped or reduced at the time Foradil Aerolizer is initiated.

Further Information:
Please note: For more information about any other possible risks, please consult your doctor or pharmacist and read the information provided with Foradil.