Mometasone and Formoterol - Medication Detail

Medication Type:  Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART)/MART; can be used as a daily controller and for quick relief.

Generic Names:  Mometasone and Formoterol

Brand Names:  Dulera®

Decription:  This medication is an inhaler used two times every day for long term control of asthma symptoms.  This medication can also be used as-needed for quick-relief (see dosage for maximum puffs).  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

For Long Term Control

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

For Quick Relief

Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Inhale 1 puff (100 or 200 mcg/5 mcg per actuation) as needed up to 12 total puffs per day.

Children 6-11 years of age: Inhale 1 puff (50 mcg/5 mcg per actuation) as needed up to 8 total puffs per 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.

Missed Dose
For long term control use, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time, do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Precautions

  • Use for quick relief and long term control as directed by your doctor.
  • If using for long term control and quick relief, 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” or after 90 days of opening, whichever comes first.