Formoterol is a long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) primarily used for the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing bronchial smooth muscles, leading to prolonged bronchodilation and improved airflow. Formoterol was first developed in the 1980s and introduced clinically in the 1990s as a safer and longer-acting alternative to short-acting β2 agonists. Its rapid onset of action combined with sustained effects made it a valuable option in both maintenance therapy and acute symptom relief. In pharmaceutical analysis, Formoterol is used as a system suitability Chemical Reference Standard (CRS) to ensure the reliability and performance of analytical methods. It helps confirm the accuracy, precision, and reproducibility of techniques such as HPLC and LC-MS during quality control testing. The use of Formoterol as a CRS supports regulatory compliance and consistent batch analysis. Its development marked a significant advancement in both respiratory therapeutics and analytical standardization.
BRAND NAMES
Foradil – A dry powder inhaler widely used for long-term management of asthma and COPD.
Oxis – Available in inhalation form, providing rapid and sustained bronchodilation for respiratory patients.
Perforomist – A nebulized solution designed for direct delivery to the lungs, often used in COPD therapy.
Fobumix – A combination inhaler containing Formoterol and a corticosteroid for enhanced asthma control.
Formoterol Turbuhaler – A multidose inhaler device delivering precise doses of Formoterol for maintenance therapy.
