Pharma-clinics. Le medicament du mois. Le formoterol (Oxis Turbohaler).

Formoterol, commercialized by Astra under the trade name Oxis, is a new potent and selective agonist of beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which is used with a specific device (Turbohaler) allowing effective inhalation. Bronchodilatation occurs rapidly, within 1-3 minutes after inhalation, and lasts about 12 hours after the administration of a unique dose. Oxis Turbohaler is indicated to reduce symptoms associated with bronchial obstruction in asthmatic patients when the control of asthma is not achieved with inhaled corticoid therapy. It is not indicated for the treatment of acute crisis. It is presented as powder vials for inhalation (4.5 or 9 micrograms per dose). The usual dose in adults is 1-2 inhalations 1-2 times per day, in the morning and/or in the evening (bedtime administration should be recommended in case of nocturnal asthma). There is not enough data for treating children. The lowest dose allowing adequate control of asthma should be selected for chronic treatment.