Last update Nov. 7, 2024

Formoterol Fumarate

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Selective beta-2 adrenergic bronchodilator with prolonged action similar to salmeterol. Like salbutamol, it has similar characteristics to Terbutaline. Inhaled administration.

At the date of the last update we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Absorption by inhalation is minimal and plasma levels are very low.

Its relatively high molecular weight makes it unlikely to pass into milk.

Several medical societies and expert authors consider safe the use of inhaled bronchodilators during breastfeeding due to low maternal serum levels (Hale, Lactmed, Bendien 2024, Amir 2011, National Asthma 2004, Nelson 2001, Ellsworth 1994).

Alternatives

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Formoterol Fumarate in other languages or writings:

Group

Formoterol Fumarate belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Formoterol Fumarate in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. > 90% %
Molecular weight 805 daltons
Protein Binding 31 - 64 %
Tmax 0.1 hours
inhal: 2. Oral 3 hours

References

  1. Bendien SA, de Kruif MD, Feitsma H, van Hoolwerff-Blikkendaal C, Huurne KK, Kuiterman A, Baranova EV, Wittkamp A, Brons A, Poulissen M, van der Meer AN. Summary of the Dutch Multidisciplinary Practice Guideline on Asthma and Pregnancy. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2024 Jul;12(7):1751-1762. Consulted on Nov. 7, 2024 Abstract
  2. LactMed. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Internet. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/ 2006 - Consulted on April 16, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  3. Hale TW. Medications & Mothers' Milk. 1991- . Springer Publishing Company. Available from https://www.halesmeds.com Consulted on April 10, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  4. Middleton PG, Gade EJ, Aguilera C, MacKillop L, Button BM, Coleman C, Johnson B, Albrechtsen C, Edenborough F, Rigau D, Gibson PG, Backer V. ERS/TSANZ Task Force Statement on the management of reproduction and pregnancy in women with airways diseases. Eur Respir J. 2020 Feb 6;55(2). pii: 1901208. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group. Managing asthma during pregnancy: recommendations for pharmacologic treatment-2004 update. 2004;1-57. None 2004 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Nelson-Piercy C. Asthma in pregnancy. Thorax. 2001 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Ellsworth A. Pharmacotherapy of asthma while breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1994 Abstract

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