Medication Type
Long Term Control, should be taken every day as prescribed
Generic Names
Mometasone and formoterol
Brand Names
Dulera®
Description
This medication is an inhaler used two times every day for long term control of asthma symptoms. It prevents irritation and swelling in the airways, and causes muscles in the airways to relax, opening them for easier breathing.
Delivery
MDI (metered dose inhaler)
Spacer
Dulera can be used with a spacer.
Dosage
Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Inhale 2 puffs (100 or 200 mcg/5 mcg per actuation) twice daily. Maximum: 800 mcg/20 mcg/day.
Children 5-11 years of age: Inhale 2 puffs (50 mcg/5 mcg per actuation) twice daily. Maximum: 200 mcg/20 mcg/day.
Proper Use
- Always shake inhaler well before use.
- Before first use or if inhaler has not been used for more than five days, prepare inhaler by spraying 4 test sprays into the air away from face.
- Rinse mouth with water after use and spit to reduce risk of throat and mouth infection. For proper inhaler technique, visit our inhaler page.
Precautions
- Do NOT use this drug to treat an asthma attack. Continue to use this medication as prescribed, even if asthma symptoms are not present.
- If you have been taking this drug for many weeks, talk with your doctor before stopping. You may want to slowly stop this drug.
- Avoid being near anyone with chickenpox or measles.
- Talk with your doctor if you have glaucoma or cataracts, high blood sugar (diabetes), a fast heartbeat, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, soft and brittle bones (osteoporosis), overactive thyroid, seizures, of if you are being treated for any type of infection.
Common Interactions
Some of the medications Dulera® interacts with are nonselective beta-blockers (levobunolol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol), and citalopram.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your medications and health problems so they can check for any interactions.
Possible Side Effects
Possible side effects include headache, upset stomach or vomiting, cough, throat irritation, and stuffy nose.
Tell your doctor or seek medical attention if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing or swelling of the face), any signs of an infection, an abnormal heartbeat, or very bad headache.
Proper Storage
- Store at room temperature.
- Protect from heat, light, and water.
- Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep inhaler away from open flame. Do not puncture canister. Do not store in extreme temperatures, such as in a parked car.
Do not use the "float test" to test if canister is empty. Use dose counter to check number of doses remaining in the inhaler. Throw inhaler away when dose counter reaches "0".