Formoterol, also known as eformoterol, is a long-acting β2 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 β2 agonists such as salbutamol (albuterol), which are effective for 4 h to 6 h. LABAs such as formoterol are used as "symptom controllers" to supplement prophylactic corticosteroid therapy. A "reliever" short-acting β2 agonist (e.g., salbutamol) is still required, since LABAs are not recommended for the treatment of acute asthma. It was patented in 1972 and came into medical use in 1998. It is also marketed in the combination formulations budesonide/formoterol and mometasone/formoterol. Side effects 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 β2 agonists could lead to a worsening of wheezing symptoms in some patients. Nowadays, available long-acting β2 agonists include salmeterol, formoterol, bambuterol, and sustained-release oral salbutamol. Combinations of inhaled steroids and long-acting bronchodilators are becoming more widespread – combination preparations include fluticasone/salmeterol and budesonide/formoterol. Mechanism of action Inhaled formoterol works like other β2 agonists, causing bronchodilation by relaxing the smooth muscle in the airway so as to treat the exacerbation of asthma. Society and culture Brand names It 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, and Perforomist. Foradil/Foradile capsules for oral inhalation (Schering-Plough in the U.S., Novartis rest of world) Oxeze/Oxis Turbuhaler Dry powder inhaler (DPI) (AstraZeneca) Atock (Astellas) Atimos/Atimos Modulite Metered-dose inhaler (MDI) (Chiesi) Perforomist inhalation solution (Mylan N.V.) Uses and combinations Arformoterol ((R,R)-(−)-formoterol) — an enantiopure compound used in the management of COPD Combination drugs: Aclidinium bromide/formoterol Budesonide/formoterol Mometasone furoate/formoterol References External links Beta2-adrenergic agonists Phenol ethers Phenols Schering-Plough brands Merck & Co. brands AstraZeneca brands Novartis brands Formamides Substituted amphetamines Phenylethanolamines pnb:آمو دریا