What is Formoterol and glycopyrrolate?
Formoterol combined with glycopyrrolate can be used to reduce flare-ups and prevent airflow obstruction in adults suffering from COPD, including bronchitis or emphysema. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for formoterol or glycopyrrolate.
Side effects of Formoterol and glycopyrrolate
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Formoterol or glycopyrrolate can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Tremors, nervousness, chest pain, or fast or pounding heartbeats;
- If you experience wheezing or other breathing problems, discontinue use of formoterol glycopyrrolate.
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Blurred vision, red or painful eyes, or seeing halos around light;
- High blood sugar: increased thirst, frequent urination and fruity breath odor are hallmarks of diabetes;
- constipation. Leg cramps.
Side effects of formoterol or glycopyrrolate include:
- Cough;
- Urination problems.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; to report adverse events call the FDA directly on 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
This medication is only for people with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). It should not be used as a treatment for asthma. It is not a medicine to be used in an emergency. This medicine will not be able to work quickly enough to treat an attack of bronchospasm. If your breathing problems worsen quickly or you feel that your medication is not working, seek medical attention.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to either formoterol or glycopyrrolate, then you should avoid using formoterol. The medicine should only be prescribed to people who have COPD. It is not intended for asthmatics.
Notify your doctor of any of the following conditions:
- High blood pressure, heart disease
- A seizure;
- Liver disease
- Glaucoma;
- Diabetes;
- A thyroid disorder
- Urination problems
- Allergies to food or drugs
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. The use of this medicine by those under 18 is not recommended.
How to take Formoterol and glycopyrrolate?
Make sure to read all instructions on the label of your medication, and follow all directions as per their guidelines. Follow the directions on the label. Too much medicine can have life-threatening effects. Please read and follow the instructions that come with your inhaler. If you don't understand the instructions, contact your physician or pharmacist immediately for clarification. You may not receive the correct dosage if you do not use the inhaler that came with your medication. Each time your prescription is refilled, use a new inhaler. Shake the medication well before inhaling your dose. Do not use this medicine to treat bronchospasm. Only use inhalation medicines that act quickly. If your breathing problems worsen quickly or you feel that your medication is not working, seek medical attention.
Stopping abruptly can make your condition worse. Your condition may worsen if you stop abruptly. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Store the inhaler device inside the foil tray until you are ready to use it. Avoid open flames or heat. If the canister gets too warm, it may explode. You should not burn or puncture an empty inhaler. Inhaler devices should be thrown away three months after they are removed from the foil pouch or when the dose indicator is zero.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—Maintenance:
Orally, 2 inhalations twice daily in the morning and evening
Maximum dose: 2 inhalations twice daily.
Comments:
Two inhalations of formoterol-glycopyrrolate (4.8 mcg) are equal to one dose.
Uses: Maintenance treatment for airflow obstructions in patients with COPD, including chronic lung disease or emphysema
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the missed dose. Use your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. An overdose can lead to vomiting, constipation, or blurred vision. It may also cause chest pain, heart problems, or fainting.
What should be avoided?
If you get formoterol or glycopyrrolate in your eyes, wash them out with water. Call your doctor if the redness persists after washing. Avoid using a second inhaled medicine that contains formoterol (such as Arformoterol, Indacaterol, Olodaterol, or Vilanterol).
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Atropine;
- Antifungal or antiviral medicines;
- Medicine to treat mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, or depression;
- Cold or allergy medication (benadryl and others);
- Medicine to treat parkinson’s disease
- Medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome
- Medicine to treat overactive urinary bladders
- Other bronchodilators
This list is incomplete. Formoterol, glycopyrrolate, and other drugs, such as vitamins, herbal products, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and prescription medications, may interact with each other. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
