by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: September 14, 2010

When is Foradil Aerolizer is used?

This is a brand name given for an inhalation device used to deliver bronchodilator medications in patients with asthma and other chronic airway diseases. It makes use of a dry powder capsule containing the drug formoterol fumarate which is a long term beta 2 agonist. Although it has shown good results in managing asthmatic episodes in certain groups of patients, it has also shown to increase the risk of death when it is used as the sole treatment regime without the use of an inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Thus, formoterol fumarate or the use of Foradil Aerolizer is contraindicated in persons who are not initiated on corticosteroid treatment and it should not be used to manage patients whom are under good control on mild to moderate dose of corticosteroids as well.

How is Foradil Aerolizer used?

The device should be used according to the following guidelines to achieve the best possible drug delivery into the respiratory system.

Open the Foradil Aerolizer by turning the stem or the top portion of the inhaler to the side using a twisting movement after removing the blue colored cap on the top of the stem. Remove one of the capsules from the Foradil packaging and place it into the capsule reservoir in the twisted part of the inhalation device. Do not swallow the capsule as it is not intended to be absorbed through the gut. Twist the stem back to its normal position over the top of the inhaler device. Press the two buttons located on either side of the stem in order to break the capsule which makes the powdered medication spill in to the reservoir.  Put the stem of the device in the mouth and take a deep breath in. While doing this, the patient can hear a rattling noise of the capsule. Hold the breath for at least 5 – 10 seconds following taking the deep breath for the drug to properly deposit in the respiratory system. Remove the device from the mouth and twist open the stem to get rid of the empty capsule. Rinse your mouth with water and if necessary brushing the teeth and the oral cavity would also be useful. Do not over use the inhaler beyond the recommended frequency by your physician.

In conclusion:

DO NOT swallow the Foradil Aerolizer capsules and DO NOT use it without being followed up by your physician. REMEMBER it is not a medication for continuous use and follow up would be rather important to decide when it can be tailored off and omit altogether.

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