Formoterol
Formoterol, also known as eformoterol, is a long-acting β2 agonist (LABA) used as a bronchodilator in the management of asthma and COPD. Formoterol has an extended duration of action (up to 12 h) compared to short-acting β2 agonists such as salbutamol (albuterol), which are effective for 4 h to 6 h. LABAs such as formoterol are used as "symptom controllers" to supplement prophylactic corticosteroid therapy. A "reliever" short-acting β2 agonist (e.g., salbutamol) is still required, since LABAs are not recommended for the treatment of acute asthma.
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![]() Formoterol (top), (R,R)-(−)-formoterol (center) and (S,S)-(+)-formoterol (bottom) | |
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Trade names | Oxeze, Foradil, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
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Routes of administration | Inhalation (capsules for oral inhalation, DPI, MDI) |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Protein binding | 61% to 64% |
Metabolism | Hepatic demethylation and glucuronidation (CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9 and CYP2A6 involved) |
Elimination half-life | 10 h |
Excretion | Renal and fecal |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.131.654 ![]() |
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Formula | C19H24N2O4 |
Molar mass | 344.411 g·mol−1 |
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Chirality | Racemic mixture |
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It was patented in 1972 and came into medical use in 1998.[1] It is also marketed in the combination formulations budesonide/formoterol and mometasone/formoterol.
Side effects
In November 2005, the US FDA released a health advisory alerting the public to findings that show the use of long-acting β2 agonists could lead to a worsening of wheezing symptoms in some patients.[2]
At the current time, available long-acting β2 agonists include salmeterol, formoterol, bambuterol, and sustained-release oral salbutamol.
Combinations of inhaled steroids and long-acting bronchodilators are becoming more widespread – combination preparations include fluticasone/salmeterol and budesonide/formoterol.
Mechanism of action
Inhaled formoterol works like other β2 agonists, causing bronchodilation by relaxing the smooth muscle in the airway so as to treat the exacerbation of asthma.
Trade names
![](../I/m/Budesonide_and_formoterol_inhaler.jpg)
It is marketed in three forms: a dry-powder inhaler, a metered-dose inhaler and an inhalation solution, under various trade names including Atock, Atimos/Atimos Modulite, Foradil/Foradile, Oxeze/Oxis, and Perforomist.
- Foradil/Foradile capsules for oral inhalation (Schering-Plough in the U.S., Novartis rest of world)
- Oxeze/Oxis Turbuhaler DPI (AstraZeneca)
- Atock (Astellas)
- Atimos/Atimos Modulite MDI (Chiesi)
- Perforomist inhalation solution (Mylan N.V.)
uses and combinations
- Arformoterol ((R,R)-(−)-formoterol) — an enantiopure compound used in the management of COPD
- Combination drugs:
References
- Fischer, Jnos; Ganellin, C. Robin (2006). Analogue-based Drug Discovery. John Wiley & Sons. p. 543. ISBN 9783527607495.
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Advair Diskus, Advair HFA, Brovana, Foradil, Perforomist, Serevent Diskus, and Symbicort Information (Long Acting Beta Agonists)". Postmarket Drug Safety Information for Patients and Providers.