Formoterol+tiotropium
About Formoterol+tiotropium
Formoterol+tiotropium is a respiratory medication primarily used to treat and prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) like bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes) and emphysema (shortness of breath). Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty breathing. COPD is a group of lung diseases that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.
Formoterol+tiotropium is a combination of Formoterol (bronchodilator) and Tiotropium (anticholinergic). Formoterol relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases airflow to the lungs. Formoterol makes breathing easier by widening the airways. Tiotropium works by blocking the receptors for acetylcholine released in the cholinergic nerve endings in the airways. Formoterol+tiotropium relaxes and widens the airway's openings, making it easier for the air to get in and out of the lungs. Thereby, it helps to prevent asthma attacks.
Your doctor will advise on how often you need to use Formoterol+tiotropium based on your medical condition. The common side effects of Formoterol+tiotropium include nausea, vomiting, respiratory tract infection, headache, sore throat, cough, bone, muscle or joint pain, increased heart rate, chills, tiredness, and noisy breathing. Most of these side effects of Formoterol+tiotropium do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not use Formoterol+tiotropium to treat sudden severe symptoms of asthma or as a rescue inhaler. Please check with your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines. Brief your medical history if you have heart, liver, or kidney diseases, high blood pressure, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), aneurysm (swelling of an artery), pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour), hyperadrenocorticism (high levels of cortisol), eye disorders like cataract and glaucoma, chickenpox or measles, immune system problem, seizure (fits), osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) or diabetes.
Uses of Formoterol+tiotropium
Medicinal Benefits
Formoterol+tiotropium is used to treat and prevent respiratory disorders like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Formoterol+tiotropium improves pulmonary function and effectively treats and prevents the worsening of emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes). Formoterol+tiotropium contains Formoterol (bronchodilator) and Tiotropium (anticholinergic). Formoterol is a long-acting β₂ agonist and bronchodilator. It relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases airflow to the lungs. It makes breathing easier by widening the airways. Tiotropium works by blocking the receptors for acetylcholine which are released in the cholinergic nerve endings in the airways.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Formoterol+tiotropium
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Respiratory tract infection
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a breathing problem in which airways narrow, swell and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty breathing.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult. The most common COPD is emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Emphysema: It is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath.
Chronic Bronchitis: A lung disease associated with inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.
FAQs
Formoterol+tiotropium should be cautiously administered under the doctor's guidance in seizures since bronchodilators like Formoterol can cause central nervous system stimulation that can lead to other adverse conditions. Please consult your doctor before using Formoterol+tiotropium if you have seizures.
Formoterol+tiotropium contains bronchodilator, which can cause a rise in blood glucose levels. Hence therapy with Formoterol+tiotropium is cautiously administered in patients with diabetes. Please monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and inform your doctor so the dose can be adjusted accordingly.
Bronchodilator (Formoterol) in Formoterol+tiotropium may decrease the potassium levels in your body, therefore should be used with caution. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Formoterol in Formoterol+tiotropium may cause dry mouth as a temporary side effect in some people. It is not necessary for everyone taking Formoterol+tiotropium to experience this side effect. However, to avoid such side effects, drink plenty of water, regularly rinse your mouth, practice good oral hygiene and suck on sugarless candy. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
Formoterol+tiotropium is not recommended for use when you are taking Sotalol or vice versa. Sotalol and Formoterol+tiotropium have opposing effects on the body. Sotalol may also trigger asthma attacks or worsen your breathing problems by narrowing the airways. Please consult your doctor before using other medicines with Formoterol+tiotropium.
Formoterol+tiotropium is not used for sudden breathing problems; your doctor may suggest a rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems.