Foracort Inhaler

The Foracort Inhaler is a prescription medication combining budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the airways, and formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles around the airways. This dual-action formulation is designed for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients requiring combined therapy. It helps prevent symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, contributing to improved lung function and reduced exacerbation frequency when used regularly as directed.

Features

• Contains budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate
• Delivered via a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI)
• Available in multiple strength combinations (e.g., 100/6 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg per puff)
• Designed for twice-daily maintenance therapy
• Features a dose counter to track remaining medication

Benefits

• Provides dual anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator action for comprehensive airway management
• Reduces the frequency and severity of asthma and COPD exacerbations
• Improves overall lung function and exercise tolerance
• Enhances quality of life by enabling better symptom control day and night
• May reduce the need for rescue inhaler use
• Helps prevent long-term airway remodeling in persistent asthma

Common use

Foracort Inhaler is indicated for the regular maintenance treatment of asthma where combination therapy is appropriate, typically in patients inadequately controlled on inhaled corticosteroids and “as-needed” short-acting beta2-agonists, or in those where disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with two maintenance therapies. It is also used for symptomatic treatment of patients with severe COPD (FEV1 < 50% predicted normal) and a history of repeated exacerbations, who have significant symptoms despite regular bronchodilator therapy.

Dosage and direction

The dosage must be individualized based on disease severity. For asthma: Adults and adolescents (12 years and older): Usually 1-2 inhalations twice daily. The maximum recommended dose is 4 inhalations twice daily. For COPD: 2 inhalations twice daily. It is essential to rinse the mouth with water after each use to reduce the risk of oral candidiasis. This inhaler is not intended for relief of acute symptoms; a separate fast-acting bronchodilator should be used for immediate relief. Always follow the specific dosage instructions provided by the prescribing physician.

Precautions

• Not for relief of acute bronchospasm; always have a short-acting bronchodilator available for rescue use
• Patients should be instructed on proper inhaler technique; poor technique reduces efficacy
• Systemic effects of corticosteroids may occur, particularly at high doses over prolonged periods
• Caution in patients with tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, or ocular herpes simplex
• May cause paradoxical bronchospasm; if this occurs, discontinue immediately and institute alternative therapy
• Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension
• Monitor patients for increased use of short-acting bronchodilators, as this indicates deteriorating asthma control
• Be alert for signs and symptoms of pneumonia in patients with COPD

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to budesonide, formoterol, or any component of the formulation
• Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where intensive measures are required
• Significant untreated infections (fungal, viral, or bacterial) of the airways

Possible side effect

Common side effects may include: headache, tremor, palpitations, muscle cramps, hoarseness, oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush), cough, and throat irritation. Less frequently, patients may experience: nervousness, nausea, dizziness, sleep disturbances, tachycardia, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia. Rare but serious side effects include: paradoxical bronchospasm, cardiovascular effects (angina, hypertension, arrhythmias), systemic corticosteroid effects (adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children, decreased bone mineral density, cataracts, glaucoma), and immediate hypersensitivity reactions.

Drug interaction

• Concomitant use with other beta-adrenergic agents may potentiate sympathetic effects
• Ketoconazole, itraconazole, and other potent CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase budesonide plasma concentrations
• Beta-blockers may antagonize the effects of formoterol and produce severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients
• Diuretics, corticosteroids, or xanthine derivatives may potentiate hypokalemic effect of formoterol
• MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of formoterol
• QT-prolonging drugs may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias when used with formoterol

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintaining regular dosing is important for optimal disease control, but occasional missed doses are unlikely to cause immediate deterioration in most patients.

Overdose

Overdosage may produce symptoms consistent with beta2-agonist overdose, such as tachycardia, tremor, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, angina, hypertension, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia. Excessive corticosteroid exposure may lead to systemic effects. Supportive measures should be instituted as appropriate, with cardiac monitoring and serum potassium measurement recommended. There is no specific antidote; treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Dialysis is not appropriate.

Storage

Store at room temperature (15-30°C/59-86°F) in a dry place away from direct heat and sunlight. Do not puncture, break, or incinerate the inhaler, even when empty. Keep out of reach of children. The inhaler should be discarded 3 months after removal from the foil pouch or when the dose counter reads “0,” whichever comes first. Do not store in damp places such as bathrooms.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Foracort Inhaler is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Always follow your physician’s instructions regarding dosage and usage. Do not adjust your treatment regimen without consulting your healthcare provider. Individual responses to medication may vary, and not all side effects are listed here.

Reviews

Clinical studies have demonstrated that Foracort Inhaler significantly improves lung function parameters (FEV1) and reduces exacerbation rates in both asthma and COPD patients compared to monotherapy components. Patients report improved symptom control and quality of life measures in long-term maintenance therapy. Healthcare providers note its effectiveness in moderate to severe cases where single-agent therapy provides insufficient control. The combination therapy approach is particularly valued for addressing both inflammation and bronchoconstriction simultaneously.