What is Formoterol used for?

Formoterol is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Asthma (evidence tier A), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (evidence tier A), Athletic endurance (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Formoterol?

Common side effects of Formoterol (≥ 1 in 100): Tremor, Headache, Palpitations, Throat irritation, Muscle cramps. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Formoterol safe during pregnancy?

FDA category C. FDA Category C. GEMA 5.4 allows continued ICS+formoterol during pregnancy: asthma control outweighs the theoretical risk. Isolated LABA monotherapy is not used in pregnancy, as outside it.

Is Formoterol compatible with breastfeeding?

Compatible. Hale L2. Inhaled systemic bioavailability is low; only minimal amounts reach milk.

Who should not take Formoterol?

Formoterol is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to formoterol or excipients; Monotherapy for asthma without inhaled corticosteroid; Tachyarrhythmias. Full list in the Safety section.

Does Formoterol carry an FDA boxed warning?

Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA), including formoterol, increase the risk of asthma-related death when used as monotherapy without an inhaled corticosteroid. In asthma formoterol is used only in fixed combination with an ICS. FDA Black Box 2010, AEMPS issued a parallel warning.

Formoterol

AEMPS

Long-acting selective β2-agonist with rapid onset (rapid-onset LABA)

ATC code: R03AC13 (Formoterol)

Brand names

Foradil, Perforomist

Mechanism of action

Selective β2-adrenoceptor agonist of bronchial smooth muscle. Lower lipophilicity than salmeterol gives a rapid onset – 3–5 minutes after inhalation – while keeping a 12-hour duration. This profile allowed ICS+formoterol (Symbicort, Fostair) to enter the 2024 MART/SMART regimen: a single inhaler serves as both controller and reliever as needed. Activates adenylyl cyclase, raises cAMP, relaxes smooth muscle and suppresses mediator release.

Indications

Asthma

First line

In asthma formoterol is used only combined with an inhaled corticosteroid. 2024 recommends ICS-formoterol (Symbicort, Fostair, Duoresp) in MART/SMART from step 1: a single inhaler used as needed for symptoms acts as both controller and reliever. The rapid onset (3–5 minutes) lets formoterol replace SABA in the reliever role. Isolated formoterol monotherapy in asthma is not used: the same risks described for in the SMART trial apply. If formoterol was prescribed without an ICS as a stand-alone long-acting bronchodilator in asthma, consider seeking a second opinion.

Formoterol

Mechanism of action

Indications

Asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Marketing claims without evidence base

Athletic endurance

Check interaction with another drug

Official sources

Safety

Contraindications

Serious adverse effects

Common adverse effects

PregnancyFDA C

Breastfeeding

Frequently asked