Lung problems are no joke. They not only cause discomfort, worsen well-being, but can also provoke various complications. For example, asthma can even lead to death. The drug "Formoterol", the instructions for use of which 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 action of the drug
The tool is a beta-adrenergic receptor blocker, that is , it can expand bronchial lumens. However, it significantly slows the release of leukotrins 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 bronchial obstruction is impaired, then the medicine can remain effective for about 10 hours. This makes it possible to alleviate the patient’s condition for a long time.
A significant part of the drug 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 he binds to blood plasma by 68%.
The most basic document that you should familiarize yourself with before using Formoterol is the instructions for use. The form of release of the drug is not one, there are several: capsules with powder, metered powder in a bottle, metered-dose aerosol. No matter which one you purchased, the medicine is used only for inhalation. The product is sold in a cardboard box.
What indications for use exist?
If you have already used Formoterol, the instructions for use (we will consider synonyms for the drug later) indicate a fairly narrow range of uses. You can highlight such indications for use:
- Treatment and prevention of a sharp narrowing of the bronchial lumen - spasm.
- Asthma. In this case, the drug is not the main one, 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 impaired air patency through them.
In what cases is the drug prohibited?
Not everyone can take Formoterol. Instructions for use indicate such contraindications:
- Too high sensitivity to the main or additional components of the drug, which can trigger a worsening of the condition.
- Excessive production of hormones by the thyroid gland - thyrotoxicosis.
- A steady increase in blood pressure.
- Pregnancy and the period of feeding. The fact is that no research has been conducted in this area. That is, it is not known whether the main component will be excreted in milk. Therefore, if the drug still needs to be taken, then feeding is better to stop. As for pregnancy, then everything is decided by the attending doctor.
- Heart rhythm disorder: arrhythmia, tachycardia.
- Coronary heart disease. The interaction of certain drugs can lead to problems in the functioning of the ventricles.
- Age to 5 years. For young children, the drug presented is very difficult.
Possible side effects
"Formoterol" (instructions for use is included in each package) can provoke some undesirable reactions, although their probability is low when observing the rules for taking the drug. The following side effects may occur:
- From the side of the nervous system: pain and dizziness , tremors, cramps, sleep disturbance, nervousness, increased anxiety.
- On the part of the cardiovascular system: increased or irregular heartbeat, angina pectoris, persistent decrease or increase in blood pressure.
- From the gastrointestinal tract: nausea and vomiting, dryness of the oral mucosa, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach), dyspepsia (difficulty digestion, which may be accompanied by pain).
- From the respiratory system: infectious pathologies of the bronchi, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, exacerbation of asthma, voice disturbance.
- Other: pain in the chest, an allergic reaction in the form of a rash, itching, anaphylactic shock.
Features of the use of the drug
If you need to take "Formoterol", the instructions for use tell about these dosages:
- In bronchial asthma, inhalations should be done every 12 hours at 12 mcg. Just 1-2 breaths are enough. Thus, the body is supported. If the attack can be triggered by physical exertion, it is better to take the drug 15 minutes before the start of the intended work, and the dosage is the same.
- To support obstructive pulmonary disease, inhalation should be done twice a day at 12 mcg.
It should be borne in mind that the medicine presented can be used no more 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 Formoterol, the instructions for use (aerosol is most often used) prohibits taking it intravenously, intramuscularly or by mouth.
If an overdose occurs
Are you forced to take Formoterol? Instructions for use (a prescription drug can be bought at a pharmacy only with the special permission of a doctor) is in the box for a reason. It clearly indicates the dosage of the drug. But if for some reason you have violated these instructions, an overdose may occur. It is determined by such signs: tachycardia, dry mouth, headache, nausea. If the situation is not corrected in time, then even a fatal outcome is quite possible.
In case of an overdose, an ambulance must be urgently called. Treatment should be symptomatic. In this case, further use of the drug is terminated. During treatment, it is necessary to control the work of the heart using electrocardiography. During the recovery period after an overdose, the patient should be constantly monitored by specialists.
Features of the interaction of the drug with other drugs
Do you take Formoterol? Instructions for use (analogues have a similar composition) contains information about the features of its combination with other drugs. For example, caution must be exercised while using it with adrenergic agents.
A combination of Formoterol with diuretics, steroids, and xanthine derivatives can trigger a pathological decrease in potassium levels in the body. However, potassium is not a permanent condition. Moreover, any external replenishment of the amount of this element in the body is not required.
Try not to take this drug with tricyclic antidepressants. Its combination with beta-blockers leads to a mutual blocking of the action of these drugs. That is, there will be no benefit from them, but the harm can be serious.
Joint administration with drugs such as "Quinidine", "Disopyramide" can be dangerous, as it provokes the development of cardiac ventricular arrhythmias. If there is a cardiological reaction to the drug, then it must be urgently canceled.
special instructions
"Formoterol" (the instructions are already known to you) has some application features:
- 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 mostly good) indicate that it is only an addition to the main therapy. If during treatment you feel that the condition is getting worse, you should immediately consult a doctor.
- Do not take this medicine instead of corticosteroids. "Formoterol" does not have a pronounced anti-inflammatory function. In this case, corticosteroids should be continued without decreasing the dose prescribed by the doctor.
- Very carefully you need to treat the remedy for women who are diagnosed with uterine fibroids, as well as people with diabetes.
- You should not immediately behind the wheel to drive or engage in activities that require increased attention.
- You can not use the drug during childbirth. The fact is that the main active substance is able to negatively affect the contraction of the uterus.
Analogs and storage features
Most often, patients prefer an inhaler that contains 100 single doses. Store the product in a cool and dark place, but it is not advisable to freeze it. Direct sunlight should not fall on the bottle. Do not place the medicine near a heat source.
If this drug is not suitable for you, you can consult your doctor about analogues. Among them are the following: Atimos, Oksis, Foradil, Bronchoril, and Shadrin. Please note that you cannot buy or take any other drugs on your own.
Reviews and expiration date
As for the reviews, users note a good, fast and lasting effect. However, the medicine presented has a rather high cost: 1300-1600 rubles. Not all patients can afford it. Also, reviews report that after discontinuation of the drug, a violent spasmodic reaction of the bronchi is not noted.
The shelf life of the medicine presented is 2 years. However, after you open the inhaler, you can throw it away after 4 months. Eliminate any possibility of the drug falling into the hands of children. After use, the bottle cap should be tightly closed.
That's all. Remember that self-medication is fatal. Be healthy!