Generic name: formoterol (inhalation) [ for-MOE-ter-all ]
Brand name: Perforomist
Drug class: Adrenergic bronchodilators

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jul 16, 2024.

What is Perforomist Inhalation?

Perforomist inhalation (formoterol) is a long-acting bronchodilator. It relaxes muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Perforomist is used to control the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including and chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Perforomist may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Perforomist is for use only in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and should not be used to treat asthma.

Perforomist is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat a bronchospasm attack. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medicine.

Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Perforomist if you are allergic to formoterol. Formoterol is for use only in people with COPD and should not be used to treat asthma.

To make sure Perforomist inhalation is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• a seizure;

• diabetes;

• liver disease; or

• a thyroid disorder.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Formoterol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use Perforomist Inhalation?

Use Perforomist exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Using too much of this medicine can cause life-threatening side effects.

Perforomist is not a rescue medicine for bronchospasm attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

Perforomist solution for inhalation is for use only with a standard jet nebulizer machine connected to an air compressor. Do not mix formoterol with other medicines in the nebulizer.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Store this medicine in the refrigerator, protected from light and heat.

Keep each vial in the foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine. Once a vial is opened, you must use the medicine right away. Throw the empty vial away where children and pets cannot get to it.

You may store an unopened foil pouch at room temperature but you must use it within 3 months or throw it away.

Do not use Perforomist if it does not look clear and colorless in the vial. Do not use after the expiration date on the label has passed.

You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Related/similar drugs

Symbicort, Breo Ellipta, Ventolin, Ventolin HFA, Anoro Ellipta, Spiriva

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of formoterol inhalation can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats, nervousness, tremor, muscle cramps, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

What should I avoid while using Perforomist Inhalation?

Do not use a second inhaled bronchodilator that contains formoterol or a similar medicine (such as arformoterol, indacaterol, olodaterol, salmeterol, or vilanterol).

Perforomist side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Perforomist: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• tremors, nervousness, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medicine;

• worsening breathing problems;

• high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

• low potassium level - leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common Perforomist side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• nervousness, trouble sleeping;

• headache;

• dizziness;

• tremor;

• tiredness;

• muscle cramps; or

• dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Perforomist?

If you also use a short-acting bronchodilator, do not use it daily while you are using Perforomist. Use the short-acting bronchodilator only for a sudden bronchospasm attack.

Other drugs may interact with formoterol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Perforomist only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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