New long-acting beta agonist for nebulizer approved

Formoterol fumarate (Perforomist Inhalation Solution, Dey L.P.), a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA), has been approved by the FDA as a twice-daily maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction for chronic bronchitis and emphysema, or COPD. According to the manufacturer, the new solution is the first formoterol product to be approved for use in a nebulizer and is available in a 20 mcg/2 ml concentration. The prescribing information warns pharmacists that LABAs should not be used to treat acute symptoms or patients with rapidly deteriorating COPD; acute symptoms should be treated with fast-acting rescue inhalers. Formoterol fumarate was previously approved as an inhalation powder and is available as Foradil Aerolizer from Schering-Plough.

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