Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
budesonide/formoterol
inhalation aerosol (Symbicort, generic)
- (80mcg/4.5mcg)/actuation
- (160mcg/4.5mcg)/actuation
Asthma
Treatment in patients whose disease is not adequately controlled by long-term medication or whose disease severity warrants treatment with long-acting beta agonist (LABA) and inhaled corticosteroid
160 mcg/9 mcg (2 actuations of 80 mcg/4.5 mcg) q12hr; for more severe asthma, 320 mcg/9 mcg (2 actuations of 160 mcg/4.5 mcg) q12hr; not to exceed 320 mcg/9 mcg q12hr
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Treatment of airflow obstruction
160 mcg/9 mcg (2 actuations of 80 mcg/4.5 mcg) q12hr; not to exceed 320 mcg/9 mcg q12hr
Dosing Considerations
Asthma: If response is inadequate after 1-2 weeks of therapy with 80 mcg/4.5 mcg, switching to 160 mcg/4.5 mcg may provide additional control
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): 160 mcg/4.5 mcg is only approved treatment dose; if dyspnea occurs in period between doses, administer inhaled short-acting beta agonist (SABA) for immediate relief
Dosage Forms & Strengths
budesonide/formoterol
inhalation aerosol (Symbicort, generic)
- (80mcg/4.5mcg)/actuation
- (160mcg/4.5mcg)/actuation
Asthma
Indicated for the treatment of asthma in children aged ≥6 years
<6 years: Safety and efficacy not established
6-12 years: 160 mcg/9 mcg (2 actuations of 80 mcg/4.5 mcg) q12hr
>12 years
- Starting dose is based on asthma severity
- 160 mcg/9 mcg (2 actuations of 80 mcg/4.5 mcg) q12hr; for more severe asthma, 320 mcg/9 mcg (2 actuations of 160 mcg/4.5 mcg) q12hr; not to exceed 320 mcg/9 mcg q12hr
- If response is inadequate after 1-2 weeks of therapy with 80 mcg/4.5 mcg, switching to 160 mcg/4.5 mcg may provide additional control
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (72)
- adagrasib
adagrasib, formoterol. Either increases effects of the other by QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Each drug prolongs the QTc interval, which may increased the risk of Torsade de pointes, other serious arryhthmias, and sudden death. If coadministration unavoidable, more frequent monitoring is recommended for such patients.
- amisulpride
amisulpride and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. ECG monitoring is recommended if coadministered.
- amitriptyline
amitriptyline and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
amitriptyline, formoterol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron. - amoxapine
amoxapine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
amoxapine, formoterol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron. - arformoterol
arformoterol and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- artemether/lumefantrine
formoterol and artemether/lumefantrine both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- chlorpromazine
chlorpromazine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- clarithromycin
clarithromycin and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- clomipramine
clomipramine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
clomipramine, formoterol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron. - desipramine
desipramine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
desipramine, formoterol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron. - disopyramide
disopyramide and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- dofetilide
dofetilide and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- doxepin
doxepin and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
doxepin, formoterol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron. - dronedarone
dronedarone and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- droperidol
droperidol and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- entrectinib
formoterol and entrectinib both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- epinephrine
epinephrine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- epinephrine racemic
epinephrine racemic and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- erythromycin base
erythromycin base and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- erythromycin ethylsuccinate
erythromycin ethylsuccinate and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- erythromycin lactobionate
erythromycin lactobionate and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- erythromycin stearate
erythromycin stearate and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- fexinidazole
fexinidazole and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration of fexinidazole with drugs known to block potassium channels or prolong QT interval.
- fluconazole
fluconazole and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- fluphenazine
fluphenazine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- glasdegib
formoterol and glasdegib both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If coadministration unavoidable, monitor for increased risk of QTc interval prolongation.
- haloperidol
formoterol and haloperidol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- hydroxychloroquine sulfate
hydroxychloroquine sulfate and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- ibutilide
formoterol and ibutilide both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- imipramine
imipramine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
imipramine, formoterol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron. - indapamide
formoterol and indapamide both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- inotuzumab
inotuzumab and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If unable to avoid concomitant use, obtain ECGs and electrolytes before and after initiation of any drug known to prolong QTc, and periodically monitor as clinically indicated during treatment.
- isocarboxazid
isocarboxazid increases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.
- ivosidenib
ivosidenib and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration of QTc prolonging drugs with ivosidenib or replace with alternate therapies. If coadministration of a QTc prolonging drug is unavoidable, monitor for increased risk of QTc interval prolongation.
- ketoconazole
formoterol and ketoconazole both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- lefamulin
lefamulin and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- levoketoconazole
formoterol and levoketoconazole both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- linezolid
linezolid increases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.
- lofepramine
lofepramine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
lofepramine, formoterol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron. - lonafarnib
lonafarnib will increase the level or effect of budesonide inhaled by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid coadministration with sensitive CYP3A substrates. If coadministration unavoidable, monitor for adverse reactions and reduce CYP3A substrate dose in accordance with product labeling.
- lumefantrine
formoterol and lumefantrine both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- macimorelin
budesonide inhaled, macimorelin. unspecified interaction mechanism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Drugs that directly affect the pituitary secretion of growth hormone (GH) may impact the accuracy of the macimorelin diagnostic test. Allow sufficient washout time of drugs affecting GH growth hormone release before administering prior to administration of macimorelin. Drugs that directly affect the pituitary secretion of growth hormone (GH) may impact the accuracy of the macimorelin diagnostic test. Allow sufficient washout time of drugs affecting GH release before administering macimorelin.
macimorelin and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Macimorelin causes an increase of ~11 msec in the corrected QT interval. Avoid coadministration with drugs that prolong QT interval, which could increase risk for developing torsade de pointes-type ventricular tachycardia. Allow sufficient washout time of drugs that are known to prolong the QT interval before administering macimorelin. - maprotiline
maprotiline and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
maprotiline, formoterol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron. - mobocertinib
mobocertinib and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If coadministration unavoidable, reduce mobocertinib dose and monitor QTc interval more frequently.
- moxifloxacin
formoterol and moxifloxacin both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- nilotinib
formoterol and nilotinib both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- nortriptyline
nortriptyline and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
nortriptyline, formoterol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron. - octreotide
formoterol and octreotide both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- octreotide (Antidote)
formoterol and octreotide (Antidote) both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- ondansetron
formoterol and ondansetron both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid with congenital long QT syndrome; ECG monitoring recommended with concomitant medications that prolong QT interval, electrolyte abnormalities, CHF, or bradyarrhythmias.
- panobinostat
formoterol and panobinostat both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Panobinostat is known to significantly prolong QT interval. Panobinostat prescribing information states use with drugs known to prolong QTc is not recommended.
- pentamidine
formoterol and pentamidine both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- perphenazine
perphenazine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- phenelzine
phenelzine increases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.
- pimozide
formoterol and pimozide both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- pitolisant
formoterol and pitolisant both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- primaquine
primaquine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- procainamide
formoterol and procainamide both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- prochlorperazine
prochlorperazine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- promazine
promazine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- promethazine
promethazine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- protriptyline
protriptyline and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
protriptyline, formoterol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron. - quinidine
quinidine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- sotalol
formoterol and sotalol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Drugs known to prolong the QTc interval may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of formoterol.
sotalol and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Drugs known to prolong the QTc interval may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of formoterol. - thioridazine
thioridazine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- tranylcypromine
tranylcypromine increases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.
- trazodone
trazodone and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
trazodone, formoterol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron. - trifluoperazine
trifluoperazine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- trimipramine
trimipramine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
trimipramine, formoterol. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron. - umeclidinium bromide/vilanterol inhaled
formoterol increases toxicity of umeclidinium bromide/vilanterol inhaled by QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Exercise extreme caution when vilanterol coadministered with drugs that prolong QTc interval; adrenergic agonist effects on the cardiovascular system may be potentiated.
- vilanterol/fluticasone furoate inhaled
formoterol increases toxicity of vilanterol/fluticasone furoate inhaled by QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Exercise extreme caution when vilanterol coadministered with drugs that prolong QTc interval; adrenergic agonist effects on the cardiovascular system may be potentiated.
- ziprasidone
formoterol and ziprasidone both increase QTc interval. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
Monitor Closely (254)
- acebutolol
acebutolol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
acebutolol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - aceclofenac
aceclofenac increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- acemetacin
acemetacin increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- albuterol
albuterol and formoterol both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
albuterol and formoterol both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
albuterol and formoterol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - alfentanil
alfentanil increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- alfuzosin
formoterol and alfuzosin both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
alfuzosin and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor. - alprazolam
alprazolam increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amiloride
amiloride increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- amiodarone
amiodarone and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amitriptyline
amitriptyline increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amobarbital
amobarbital increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- amoxapine
amoxapine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- apomorphine
apomorphine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- arformoterol
arformoterol and formoterol both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
arformoterol and formoterol both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
arformoterol and formoterol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - aripiprazole
aripiprazole increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
aripiprazole and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor. - armodafinil
formoterol and armodafinil both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- arsenic trioxide
arsenic trioxide and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- artemether
artemether and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- asenapine transdermal
asenapine transdermal and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- aspirin
aspirin increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- aspirin rectal
aspirin rectal increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. .
- aspirin/citric acid/sodium bicarbonate
aspirin/citric acid/sodium bicarbonate increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- atenolol
atenolol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
atenolol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - atomoxetine
formoterol, atomoxetine. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Exercise caution if beta-agonists and atomoxetine are coadministered. Interaction may be less likely with inhaled beta-agonists versus those given systemically. .
atomoxetine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor. - azelastine
azelastine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- azithromycin
azithromycin and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- bedaquiline
formoterol and bedaquiline both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. ECG should be monitored closely
- belladonna and opium
belladonna and opium increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- bendroflumethiazide
formoterol and bendroflumethiazide both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- benperidol
benperidol increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- benzphetamine
formoterol and benzphetamine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and benzphetamine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - betaxolol
betaxolol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
betaxolol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - bisoprolol
bisoprolol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
bisoprolol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - brompheniramine
brompheniramine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- bumetanide
formoterol and bumetanide both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- buprenorphine buccal
buprenorphine buccal increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- butabarbital
butabarbital increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- butalbital
butalbital increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- butorphanol
butorphanol increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- caffeine
formoterol and caffeine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- carbenoxolone
formoterol and carbenoxolone both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- carbinoxamine
carbinoxamine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- carvedilol
carvedilol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
carvedilol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - celecoxib
celecoxib increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- celiprolol
celiprolol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
celiprolol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - ceritinib
ceritinib and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- chloral hydrate
chloral hydrate increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- chlordiazepoxide
chlordiazepoxide increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- chlorothiazide
formoterol and chlorothiazide both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- chlorpheniramine
chlorpheniramine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- chlorpromazine
chlorpromazine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- chlorthalidone
formoterol and chlorthalidone both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- choline magnesium trisalicylate
choline magnesium trisalicylate increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. .
- cinnarizine
cinnarizine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clemastine
clemastine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clomipramine
clomipramine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clonazepam
clonazepam increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clorazepate
clorazepate increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clozapine
clozapine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cobicistat
cobicistat increases levels of budesonide inhaled by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- codeine
codeine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyclizine
cyclizine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyclopenthiazide
formoterol and cyclopenthiazide both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyproheptadine
cyproheptadine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dasatinib
dasatinib and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- deflazacort
formoterol and deflazacort both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- degarelix
degarelix and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- desipramine
desipramine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dexchlorpheniramine
dexchlorpheniramine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dexfenfluramine
formoterol and dexfenfluramine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and dexfenfluramine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - dexmedetomidine
dexmedetomidine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dexmethylphenidate
formoterol and dexmethylphenidate both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and dexmethylphenidate both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - dextroamphetamine
formoterol and dextroamphetamine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and dextroamphetamine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - dextromoramide
dextromoramide increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diamorphine
diamorphine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dichlorphenamide
dichlorphenamide and formoterol both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
dichlorphenamide, formoterol. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Both drugs can cause metabolic acidosis. - diclofenac
diclofenac increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diethylpropion
formoterol and diethylpropion both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and diethylpropion both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - difenoxin hcl
difenoxin hcl increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diflunisal
diflunisal increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- digoxin
digoxin increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dimenhydrinate
dimenhydrinate increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diphenhydramine
diphenhydramine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diphenoxylate hcl
diphenoxylate hcl increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dipipanone
dipipanone increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dobutamine
dobutamine and formoterol both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
dobutamine and formoterol both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
dobutamine and formoterol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - dolasetron
dolasetron and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- donepezil
donepezil and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- dopamine
formoterol and dopamine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and dopamine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - dopexamine
dopexamine and formoterol both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
dopexamine and formoterol both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
dopexamine and formoterol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.
dopexamine, formoterol. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. - doxepin
doxepin increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- droperidol
droperidol increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- drospirenone
drospirenone increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- efavirenz
efavirenz and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- encorafenib
encorafenib and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ephedrine
ephedrine and formoterol both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
ephedrine and formoterol both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
ephedrine and formoterol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - epinephrine
epinephrine and formoterol both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
epinephrine and formoterol both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
epinephrine and formoterol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - epinephrine racemic
formoterol and epinephrine racemic both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and epinephrine racemic both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and epinephrine racemic both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - eribulin
eribulin and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- escitalopram
escitalopram increases toxicity of formoterol by QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- esmolol
esmolol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
esmolol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - estazolam
estazolam increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ethacrynic acid
formoterol and ethacrynic acid both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ethanol
ethanol increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- etodolac
etodolac increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fenfluramine
formoterol and fenfluramine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and fenfluramine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - fenoprofen
fenoprofen increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fingolimod
fingolimod and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- flecainide
flecainide and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- fluoxetine
fluoxetine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Fluoxetine prolongs the QT interval; the prescribing information for fluoxetine recommends avoiding concurrent use of other drugs that may prolong the QT interval; risk may be increased with higher doses and/or when associated with hypokalemia; drugs that prolong the QTc interval may potentiate the effects of beta2 agonists on the cardiovascular system
- fluphenazine
fluphenazine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- flurazepam
flurazepam increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- flurbiprofen
flurbiprofen increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fluvoxamine
fluvoxamine and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- foscarnet
formoterol and foscarnet both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- fostemsavir
formoterol and fostemsavir both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor. QTc prolongation reported with higher than recommended doses of fostemsavir.
- furosemide
formoterol and furosemide both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- gemifloxacin
gemifloxacin and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- gentamicin
formoterol and gentamicin both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- gilteritinib
gilteritinib and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- goserelin
goserelin increases toxicity of formoterol by QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor. Increases risk of torsades de pointes.
- haloperidol
haloperidol increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- histrelin
histrelin increases toxicity of formoterol by QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor. Increases risk of torsades de pointes.
- hydrochlorothiazide
formoterol and hydrochlorothiazide both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- hydromorphone
hydromorphone increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- hydroxyzine
hydroxyzine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ibuprofen
ibuprofen increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ibuprofen IV
ibuprofen IV increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- iloperidone
formoterol and iloperidone both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
iloperidone increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. - imipramine
imipramine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- indapamide
formoterol and indapamide both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- indomethacin
indomethacin increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- isoproterenol
formoterol and isoproterenol both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and isoproterenol both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and isoproterenol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - itraconazole
itraconazole and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ketoprofen
ketoprofen increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ketorolac
ketorolac increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ketorolac intranasal
ketorolac intranasal increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. .
- ketotifen, ophthalmic
ketotifen, ophthalmic increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- labetalol
labetalol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
labetalol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - lapatinib
formoterol and lapatinib both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- lenvatinib
formoterol and lenvatinib both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor. Lenvatinib prescribing information recommends monitoring ECG closely when coadministered with QT prolonging drugs.
- leuprolide
leuprolide increases toxicity of formoterol by QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor. Increases risk of torsades de pointes.
- levalbuterol
formoterol and levalbuterol both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and levalbuterol both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and levalbuterol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - levofloxacin
formoterol and levofloxacin both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- levorphanol
levorphanol increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lisdexamfetamine
formoterol and lisdexamfetamine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and lisdexamfetamine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - lofepramine
lofepramine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lofexidine
lofexidine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- loprazolam
loprazolam increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lorazepam
lorazepam increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lormetazepam
lormetazepam increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lornoxicam
lornoxicam increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- loxapine
loxapine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- loxapine inhaled
loxapine inhaled increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- maprotiline
maprotiline increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- marijuana
marijuana increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- meclofenamate
meclofenamate increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- mefenamic acid
mefenamic acid increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- melatonin
melatonin increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- meloxicam
meloxicam increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- meperidine
meperidine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- meprobamate
meprobamate increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- metaproterenol
formoterol and metaproterenol both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and metaproterenol both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and metaproterenol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - methadone
formoterol and methadone both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
methadone increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. - methamphetamine
formoterol and methamphetamine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and methamphetamine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - methyclothiazide
formoterol and methyclothiazide both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- methylenedioxymethamphetamine
formoterol and methylenedioxymethamphetamine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and methylenedioxymethamphetamine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - methylphenidate
formoterol and methylphenidate both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.
- metolazone
formoterol and metolazone both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
- metoprolol
metoprolol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
metoprolol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - midazolam
midazolam increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- midodrine
formoterol and midodrine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and midodrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - mifepristone
mifepristone, formoterol. QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Use alternatives if available.
- mirtazapine
mirtazapine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- modafinil
formoterol and modafinil both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
- morphine
morphine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- motherwort
motherwort increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- moxonidine
moxonidine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nabilone
nabilone increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nabumetone
nabumetone increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nadolol
nadolol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
nadolol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - nalbuphine
nalbuphine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- naproxen
naproxen increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nebivolol
nebivolol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
nebivolol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - norepinephrine
formoterol and norepinephrine both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and norepinephrine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and norepinephrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - nortriptyline
nortriptyline increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ofloxacin
formoterol and ofloxacin both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- olanzapine
olanzapine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- olodaterol inhaled
formoterol and olodaterol inhaled both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. Caution with coadministration of adrenergic drugs by any route because of additive sympathetic effects
- opium tincture
opium tincture increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- osilodrostat
osilodrostat and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- osimertinib
osimertinib and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor. Conduct periodic monitoring with ECGs and electrolytes in patients taking drugs known to prolong the QTc interval.
- oxaliplatin
oxaliplatin will increase the level or effect of formoterol by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Monitor for ECG changes if therapy is initiated in patients with drugs known to prolong QT interval.
- oxaprozin
oxaprozin increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- oxazepam
oxazepam increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- oxycodone
oxycodone increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- oxymorphone
oxymorphone increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ozanimod
ozanimod and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. The potential additive effects on heart rate, treatment with ozanimod should generally not be initiated in patients who are concurrently treated with QT prolonging drugs with known arrhythmogenic properties.
- paliperidone
formoterol and paliperidone both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
paliperidone increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. - papaveretum
papaveretum increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- parecoxib
parecoxib increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- paroxetine
formoterol and paroxetine both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- pasireotide
formoterol and pasireotide both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- pazopanib
formoterol and pazopanib both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- penbutolol
penbutolol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
penbutolol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - pentazocine
pentazocine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pentobarbital
pentobarbital increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- perphenazine
perphenazine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- phendimetrazine
formoterol and phendimetrazine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and phendimetrazine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - phenobarbital
phenobarbital increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- phenoxybenzamine
phenoxybenzamine, formoterol. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Hypotension, tachycardia.
- phentermine
formoterol and phentermine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and phentermine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - phenylephrine
formoterol and phenylephrine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and phenylephrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - phenylephrine PO
formoterol and phenylephrine PO both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and phenylephrine PO both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - pholcodine
pholcodine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pimozide
pimozide increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pindolol
pindolol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
pindolol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - pirbuterol
formoterol and pirbuterol both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and pirbuterol both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and pirbuterol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - piroxicam
piroxicam increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- posaconazole
formoterol and posaconazole both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- potassium acid phosphate
potassium acid phosphate increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- potassium chloride
potassium chloride increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- potassium citrate
potassium citrate increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- primidone
primidone increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- procarbazine
procarbazine increases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- prochlorperazine
prochlorperazine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- promethazine
promethazine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- propranolol
propranolol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
propranolol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - propylhexedrine
formoterol and propylhexedrine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and propylhexedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - protriptyline
protriptyline increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pseudoephedrine
formoterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.
- quazepam
quazepam increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- quetiapine
quetiapine increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- quinine
formoterol and quinine both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- quizartinib
quizartinib, formoterol. Either increases effects of the other by QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Monitor patients more frequently with ECG if coadministered with QT prolonging drugs.
- ranolazine
formoterol and ranolazine both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- ribociclib
ribociclib increases toxicity of formoterol by QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- risperidone
formoterol and risperidone both increase QTc interval. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
risperidone increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor. - sacubitril/valsartan
sacubitril/valsartan increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- salicylates (non-asa)
salicylates (non-asa) increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- salmeterol
formoterol and salmeterol both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and salmeterol both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.
formoterol and salmeterol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. - salsalate
salsalate increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- scullcap
scullcap increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- secobarbital
secobarbital increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- selpercatinib
selpercatinib increases toxicity of formoterol by QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate
formoterol and serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.
- shepherd's purse
shepherd's purse increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
- sodium sulfate/potassium chloride/magnesium sulfate/polyethylene glycol
formoterol and sodium sulfate/potassium chloride/magnesium sulfate/polyethylene glycol both decrease serum potassium. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- solriamfetol
formoterol and solriamfetol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.
- sorafenib
sorafenib and formoterol both increase QTc interval. Use Caution/Monitor.
- sotalol
sotalol increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
sotalol decreases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. - spironolactone
spironolactone increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely.
- stiripentol
stiripentol will increase the level or effect of budesonide inhaled by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporter. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Consider reducing the dose of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates, if adverse reactions are experienced when administered concomitantly with stiripentol.
- succinylcholine
succinylcholine increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Use Caution/Monitor.
Minor (17)
- bendroflumethiazide
formoterol, bendroflumethiazide. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Hypokalemia.
- bumetanide
formoterol, bumetanide. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Hypokalemia.
- chloroquine
chloroquine increases toxicity of formoterol by QTc interval. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- chlorothiazide
formoterol, chlorothiazide. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Hypokalemia.
- chlorthalidone
formoterol, chlorthalidone. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Hypokalemia.
- cyclopenthiazide
formoterol, cyclopenthiazide. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Hypokalemia.
- ethacrynic acid
formoterol, ethacrynic acid. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Hypokalemia.
- eucalyptus
eucalyptus increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- furosemide
formoterol, furosemide. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Hypokalemia.
- green tea
green tea increases effects of formoterol by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Due to caffeine content. Combination may increase CNS stimulatory effects due to caffeine in green tea.
- hydrochlorothiazide
formoterol, hydrochlorothiazide. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Hypokalemia.
- indapamide
formoterol, indapamide. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Hypokalemia.
- methyclothiazide
formoterol, methyclothiazide. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Hypokalemia.
- metolazone
formoterol, metolazone. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Hypokalemia.
- noni juice
noni juice increases and formoterol decreases serum potassium. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- sage
sage increases and formoterol decreases sedation. Effect of interaction is not clear, use caution. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- torsemide
formoterol, torsemide. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Hypokalemia.
Adverse Effects
>10%
Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (8-11%)
Headache (7-11%)
Nasopharyngitis (7-11%)
1-10%
Pharyngolaryngeal pain (6-9%)
Stomach discomfort (1-7%)
Sinusitis (5-6%)
Oral candidiasis (1-6%)
Bronchitis (5%)
Viral URTI (4%)
Backache (2-3%)
Influenza (2-3%)
Nasal congestion (2-3%)
Vomiting (1- 3%)
Postmarketing Reports
Cardiovascular: Angina pectoris, tachycardia, atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, extrasystoles, palpitations, hypotension, hypertension
Endocrine: Hypercorticism, growth velocity reduction (in children)
Sensory: Cataract, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure (IOP), skin bruising
Gastrointestinal (GI): Oropharyngeal candidiasis, nausea
Immunologic: Immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, bronchospasm, urticaria, exanthema, dermatitis, pruritus
Metabolic: Hyperglycemia, hypokalemia
Musculoskeletal: Muscle cramps
Neurologic and psychiatric: Behavior disturbances, sleep disturbances, nervousness, agitation, depression, restlessness tremor, dizziness
Respiratory: Dysphonia, cough, throat irritation
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or acute episodes of asthma or COPD requiring intensive measures
Cautions
Risk of LABAs used as monotherapy
- Use of LABAs as monotherapy (without inhaled corticosteroids) for asthma is associated with an increased risk of asthma-related death
- Data from controlled clinical trials also suggest that use of LABA as monotherapy increases the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patient
- These findings are considered a class effect of LABA monotherapy
- When LABA are used in fixed-dose combination with ICS, data from large clinical trials do not show a significant increase in the risk of serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death) compared with ICS alone
Do not initiate in patients experiencing rapidly deteriorating or potentially life-threatening asthma or COPD episodes; additionally, increased inhaled SABA use is marker of deteriorating asthma
Do not use for relief of acute symptoms (rescue therapy)
Maximum dosage must not be exceeded, because of increased risk of serious cardiovascular effects
Localized infections with Candida albicans in mouth and pharynx occur in some patients; to reduce risk, mouth must be rinsed after inhalation
Monitor COPD patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonia and lung infections
Risk of more serious or fatal course of chickenpox or measles exists in susceptible patients (eg, unvaccinated or immunologically unexposed individuals); care must be taken to avoid exposure
Excessive use may suppress hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function; monitor closely, especially postoperatively or during periods of stress
During periods of stress, a severe asthma attack or a severe COPD exacerbation, patients who have been withdrawn from systemic corticosteroids should be instructed to resume oral corticosteroids (in large doses) immediately and to contact their physicians for further instruction
Risk of paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life-threatening; discontinue and treat immediately with inhaled SABA
Risk of immediate hypersensitivity reactions (eg, urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm)
Cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS) effects due to excess beta-adrenergic stimulation; may result in asthma-related death; use with caution in patients with cardiovascular or convulsive disorders or thyrotoxicosis
Particular care is needed to transfer patients from systemic to inhaled corticosteroids; potentially fatal adrenal insufficiency may occur before or afterward; taper withdrawal gradually
Decrease in bone mineral density after long-term administration of corticosteroids; monitor patients at risk; assess bone mineral density initially and periodically thereafter
May decrease growth velocity in children; monitor
Risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and increased IOP; monitor
Risk of systemic eosinophilic conditions, some consistent with Churg-Strauss syndrome
Risk of transient hypokalemia; may not warrant supplementation
Risk of overdose if used with additional long-acting beta2-agonist in other combination products
Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression; may occur with very high dosages or at regular dosage in susceptible individuals; discontinue therapy if such changes occur
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, there is increased risk of several perinatal adverse outcomes such as preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in neonate; pregnant women with asthma should be closely monitored and medication adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal asthma control
There are no well-controlled human studies that have investigated the effects of therapy during labor and delivery; because of potential for beta-agonist interference with uterine contractility, use of therapy during labor should be restricted to those patients in whom the benefits clearly outweigh risk
Lactation
There are no available data on the breastfed child or on milk production; budesonide, like other inhaled corticosteroids, is present in human milk; there are no available data on the presence of formoterol fumarate in human milk; formoterol fumarate is present in rat milk; the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for therapy and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from therapy or from underlying maternal condition
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Budesonide: Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid; has potent glucocorticoid activity and weak mineralocorticoid activity
Formoterol: Long-acting selective beta2-adrenergic agonist with rapid onset of action; acts locally as bronchodilator; stimulates intracellular adenyl cyclase, which results in increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels, causing relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mast cell mediators
Absorption
Peak plasma time: Budesonide, 20 min; formoterol, 5-10 min
Peak plasma concentration: Budesonide, 0.6-1.6 nmol/L; formoterol, 136 pmol/L
Distribution
Protein bound: Budesonide, 85-90%; formoterol, 46-68%
Vd: Budesonide, 3 L/kg
Metabolism
Metabolized in liver by CYP3A4 (budesonide) or CYP2D6/CYP2C (formoterol; O-demethylation)
Elimination
Excretion (budesonide): Urine (60%), feces
Excretion (formoterol): Urine (62%), feces (24%)
Administration
Oral Inhalation Administration
Prime before first use by releasing 2 test sprays into air, shaking well for 5 seconds before each spray; repeat priming if inhaler is unused for >7 days or has been dropped
After inhalation, rinse mouth with water without swallowing
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Formulary
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