Formoterol

Long-acting bronchodilator
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator found in 3 medicines sold in India, such as Foracort, Budamate 200, Symbicort. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Keeps the airways open for many hours in asthma and COPD.

How it works

A long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) that keeps the airways open for 12 hours. It is always combined with an inhaled steroid for asthma.

How to take it

Use exactly as prescribed, usually twice daily. Some budesonide/formoterol inhalers are also used as the reliever. Never use a LABA alone for asthma.

Common side effects

  • Tremor
  • Headache
  • Palpitations
  • Muscle cramps

Get medical help straight away if

  • Breathing gets worse after use
  • Chest pain or irregular heartbeat

Be careful

Used with a steroid inhaler for asthma, not on its own.

Other medicines and interactions

Beta blockers can block it. With diuretics, steroids and theophylline potassium can fall.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Can be continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding if needed for asthma control.

Combination medicines that contain Formoterol (3)

Budamate 200ForacortSymbicort

Common questions

What is Formoterol used for?

Keeps the airways open for many hours in asthma and COPD.

How does Formoterol work?

A long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) that keeps the airways open for 12 hours. It is always combined with an inhaled steroid for asthma.

How should I take Formoterol?

Use exactly as prescribed, usually twice daily. Some budesonide/formoterol inhalers are also used as the reliever. Never use a LABA alone for asthma.

What are the side effects of Formoterol?

Common: Tremor, headache, palpitations, muscle cramps. Get help straight away for: Breathing gets worse after use, chest pain or irregular heartbeat.

Does Formoterol interact with other medicines?

Beta blockers can block it. With diuretics, steroids and theophylline potassium can fall.

Is Formoterol safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Can be continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding if needed for asthma control.

Does Formoterol need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Formoterol?

Budamate 200, Foracort, Symbicort.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.