What is "formoterol"

n. An agonist used in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, causing bronchodilation by relaxing the smooth muscle in the airway.

Formoterol ( INN) or eformoterol (former BAN) is a long-acting β agonist (LABA) used in the management of asthma and COPD. It is marketed in three forms: a dry-powder inhaler, a metered-dose inhaler and an inhalation solution, under various trade names including Atock, Atimos/Atimos Modulite, Foradil/Foradile, Oxeze/Oxis, and Perforomist. It is also marketed in the combination formulations budesonide/formoterol and mometasone/formoterol.

Formoterol is a long-acting β agonist that has an extended duration of action (up to 12 hours) compared to short-acting β agonists such as salbutamol (albuterol), which are effective for 4–6 hours. LABAs such as formoterol are used as "symptom controllers" to supplement prophylactic corticosteroid therapy. A "reliever" short-acting β agonist (e.g., salbutamol) is still required, since LABAs are not recommended for the treatment of acute asthma.