Formoterol, also known as eformoterol, is a long-acting ò<sub>2</sub> agonist (LABA) used as a bronchodilator in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Formoterol has an extended duration of action (up to 12 h) compared to short-acting ò<sub>2</sub> agonists such as salbutamol (albuterol), which are effective for 4 h to 6 h. Formoterol has a relatively rapid onset of action compared to other LABAs, and is effective within 2-3 minutes. The 2022 Global Initiative for Asthma report recommends a combination formoterol/inhaled corticosteroid inhaler as both a preventer and reliever treatment for asthma in adults. In children, a short-acting ò<sub>2</sub> adrenergic agonist (e.g., salbutamol) is still recommended.
It was patented in 1972 and came into medical use in 1998. It is available as a generic medication. It is also marketed in the combination formulations budesonide/formoterol and mometasone/formoterol.
In November 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a health advisory alerting the public to findings that show the use of long-acting ò<sub>2</sub> agonists could lead to a worsening of wheezing symptoms in some patients.
Nowadays, available long-acting ò<sub>2</sub> agonists include salmeterol, formoterol, bambuterol, and sustained-release oral salbutamol.
Combinations of inhaled steroids and long-acting bronchodilators are becoming more widespread â combination preparations include fluticasone/salmeterol and budesonide/formoterol.
Inhaled formoterol works like other ò<sub>2</sub> agonists, causing bronchodilation by relaxing the smooth muscle in the airway so as to treat the exacerbation of asthma. It has also been reported to target tubulin, favorizing its polymerization.
Formoterol is marketed in three forms: a dry-powder inhaler (DPI), a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and an inhalation solution, under various brand names including Atock, Atimos/Atimos Modulite, Foradil/Foradile, Fostair, Oxeze/Oxis, Perforomist and Symbicort.
In some countries, Perforomist is marketed by Viatris after Upjohn merged with Mylan to create Viatris.