Formoterol
Formoterol fumarate
Brand Name: Foradil Aerolizer
Pregnancy Category C
Drug classes: Beta2 agonist, Asthmatic drug
Therapeutic actions
Long-acting agonist that binds to beta2 receptors in the lungs causing bronchodilation; may also inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators in the lung, blocking swelling and inflammation.
Indications
· Long-term maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children > 5 yr
· Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in adults and children > 12 yr when used on an occasional, as-needed basis
· Long-term maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction in patients with COPD
Contraindications
· Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to adrenergics, amines, or to formoterol, acute asthma attack, acute airway obstruction.
Adverse effects
Tremor, dizziness, insomnia, dysphonia, headache, nervousness,
Hypertension, tachycardia, chest pain, Nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, irritation of the throat and mouth, Bronchitis, respiratory infection, dyspnea, tonsillitis,
Viral infection (most likely in children)
Nursing considerations
CLINICAL ALERT!
Name confusion has occurred between Foradil (formoterol) and Toradol (ketorolac); use extreme caution.
Instruct patient in the proper use of Aerolizer Inhaler. Ensure that patient does not swallow the capsule.
· Monitor use of inhaler. Patient should not wash the inhaler but should keep it dry; it should not be used for delivering any other medication. If a bronchodilator is needed between doses, consult with health care provider. Do not use more often than every 12 hr.
· Encourage patients who experience exercise-induced asthma to use drug 15 min before activity, and to reserve this drug for occasional, as-needed use.
· Ensure that patient continues with appropriate use of corticosteroids or other drugs used to block bronchospasm, as appropriate.
· Arrange for periodic evaluation of respiratory condition during therapy.
· Arrange for analgesics as appropriate for headache.
· Establish safety precautions if tremor becomes a problem.