Formoterol+glycopyrrolate
About Formoterol+glycopyrrolate
Formoterol+glycopyrrolate belongs to the group of medicines called bronchodilators, indicated for long-term, maintenance treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tube lining). In COPD, the muscles around the airways tighten, making it difficult to breathe.
Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is a combination of two medicines, namely: Formoterol (long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist) and Glycopyrrolate (anticholinergic). Formoterol prevents the muscles in the airways from tightening, making it easier for air to flow in and out of the lungs. Glycopyrrolate decreases the secretions in the airways. Together, Formoterol+glycopyrrolate provides relief for those with COPD.
You are advised to use Formoterol+glycopyrrolate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience common side effects such as headache, nausea, dry mouth, chest pain, muscle cramps, dizziness, and painful and frequent urination. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not stop using Formoterol+glycopyrrolate on your own, as it might cause worsening of symptoms. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Formoterol+glycopyrrolate may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might cause increased dizziness. Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is not recommended for children below 18 years, as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to avoid unpleasant side effects or interactions.
Uses of Formoterol+glycopyrrolate
• Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Formoterol+glycopyrrolate helps open the airways and improves airflow in patients with COPD.
• Relief of breathing difficulties: It relaxes airway muscles, reducing symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness.
• Prevention of bronchospasm: It reduces airway narrowing and allows for easier breathing in chronic respiratory diseases.
• Maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction: It is used as a long-term maintenance therapy to manage persistent airflow limitation.
• Reduction of COPD exacerbations: Regular use reduces the frequency and severity of flare-ups in stable COPD patients.
Medicinal Benefits
Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is a combination of two medicines, namely: Formoterol and Glycopyrrolate. Formoterol+glycopyrrolate belongs to the group of medicines called bronchodilators used to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that prevents the tightening of the muscles in the airways, making it easier for the air to get in and out of the lungs. Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic that decreases the secretions in the airways. Together, Formoterol+glycopyrrolate provides relief for those with COPD.
Directions for Use
- It is recommended to take two inhalations of Formoterol+glycopyrrolate twice daily at the same time each day or as advised by your doctor.
- Place the mouthpiece into your mouth and seal your lips around it. Inhale deeply and slowly through the mouthpiece, hold your breath for 2-3 seconds, and then exhale slowly. Repeat the process until you have inhaled the number of puffs prescribed by the doctor.
- After inhalation, rinse your mouth with water and spit out to prevent oral infections like thrush.
Storage
Side Effects of Formoterol+glycopyrrolate
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Painful and frequent urination
- Chest pain
- Muscle cramps
- Anxiety
Drug Warnings
Do not take Formoterol+glycopyrrolate if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have asthma, heart problems, seizures/epilepsy, thyroid gland problems, diabetes, narrow-angle glaucoma, kidney problems, low levels of potassium in the blood, severe liver problems, if you have any difficulty in passing urine or if you are taking any medicines for lung diseases. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Formoterol+glycopyrrolate may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might cause increased dizziness. Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin), beta-blockers (timolol, atenolol, propranolol), xanthine (theophylline), diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), or steroids (prednisolone).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, difficulty in urination, heart problems, seizures, gastrointestinal obstruction, arrhythmia, hypertension, myasthenia gravis, or infectious diarrhoea.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are advised not to consume alcohol while taking Formoterol+glycopyrrolate as it might cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether breastfeeding mothers can take Formoterol+glycopyrrolate or not.
Driving
cautionFormoterol+glycopyrrolate may cause dizziness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have liver disease before using Formoterol+glycopyrrolate. Your doctor will determine potential risks before prescribing.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if you have kidney disease before using Formoterol+glycopyrrolate. Your doctor will determine potential risks before prescribing.
Children
unsafeFormoterol+glycopyrrolate is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system.
- Avoid foods such as cabbage, beans, garlic, onions, shrimp, pickled food, dried fruits, fried foods, carbonated drinks, wine, and bottled lemon and lime juice, as they may worsen symptoms.
- Do meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to get relief from stress and reduce the risk of an attack.
- Quit smoking as it may irritate the lungs and worsen breathing problems.
- Learn breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing. It helps provide relief from COPD.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases characterised by emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes). The primary cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. Also, long-term exposure to fumes and chemicals may lead to COPD. The symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing).
FAQs
Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is used to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Formoterol+glycopyrrolate contains Formoterol and Glycopyrrolate. Formoterol relaxes and widens the openings in the airways, making it easier for air to get in and out of the lungs. Glycopyrrolate decreases the secretions in the airways. Together, Formoterol+glycopyrrolate provides relief from COPD.
Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is indicated for the maintenance treatment for COPD. It does not treat a sudden attack of wheezing or breathlessness. Use a rescue inhaler to treat sudden breathing problems.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Formoterol+glycopyrrolate. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol; drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevent drying of the mouth.
Do not stop using Formoterol+glycopyrrolate on your own, as it might cause worsening of symptoms. To treat your condition effectually, continue using Formoterol+glycopyrrolate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Talk to your doctor if your breathing problems, wheezing, or cough do not improve or worsen.
No, Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is not indicated for the treatment of asthma, as the safety and effectiveness of Formoterol+glycopyrrolate in patients with asthma have not been established. Consult your doctor if you have asthma.
Consult your doctor if you are diabetic, as it might sometimes raise blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels whilst taking Formoterol+glycopyrrolate is advised.
