Medicine Information

Renafor-B

Name: Renafor-B
Brand: Renafor-B

Inhalation Capsule200 mcgLong-acting Beta-2 Agonist (LABA)ATC: R03AC13

Generic Name

Formoterol Fumarate

Manufacturer

Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
renafor b 200 mcg inhalation capsule	৳ 11.00	৳ 110.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Renafor-B 200 mcg Inhalation Capsule contains Formoterol Fumarate, a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) used to relax muscles in the airways and improve breathing for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is for maintenance treatment and not for acute relief of bronchospasm.

Uses & Indications

Maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents (12 years and older) where a long-acting beta-2 agonist is appropriate in combination with corticosteroids.

Maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Dosage

Adults

Asthma: 12-24 mcg once or twice daily. COPD: 12-24 mcg once or twice daily.

Elderly

No specific dosage adjustment is generally required.

Renal_impairment

No specific dosage adjustment is generally required for renal impairment, but caution is advised in severe cases.

How to Take

The capsule should be used only with a specific inhaler device (e.g., dry powder inhaler). Do not swallow the capsule. Insert the capsule into the device, pierce it, and inhale the powder orally. Ensure proper inhalation technique as demonstrated by a healthcare professional.

Mechanism of Action

Formoterol is a highly selective long-acting beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. It stimulates beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, leading to relaxation of the smooth muscle, thus causing bronchodilation. This effect helps to open the airways and make breathing easier.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within 1-3 minutes (bronchodilation)

Excretion

Mainly via urine (approximately 60% as metabolites, 10% as unchanged drug) and faeces (approximately 30%).

Half life

Approximately 10-14 hours (terminal plasma half-life)

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed after inhalation. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 10-15 minutes.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized in the liver via direct glucuronidation and O-demethylation.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to formoterol or any component of the capsule.
Not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm (use a rapid-acting beta-2 agonist for acute relief).

Drug Interactions

Beta-blockers

May reduce the effect of formoterol and cause severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Avoid concomitant use.

Diuretics (e.g., loop or thiazide diuretics)

May increase the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels).

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) & Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

May potentiate the cardiovascular effects of formoterol.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include tremor, headache, palpitations, and tachycardia. In severe cases, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, and acidosis may occur. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, including monitoring cardiac function and electrolyte levels.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is unknown if formoterol is excreted in human milk; use with caution in nursing mothers.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to formoterol or any component of the capsule.
Not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm (use a rapid-acting beta-2 agonist for acute relief).

Drug Interactions

Beta-blockers

May reduce the effect of formoterol and cause severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Avoid concomitant use.

Diuretics (e.g., loop or thiazide diuretics)

May increase the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels).

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) & Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

May potentiate the cardiovascular effects of formoterol.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Pregnancy & Lactation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

30 capsules with device60 capsules with device

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, specific details on packaging.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

Approved

Patent Status

Off-patent (Generic available)

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of formoterol fumarate in the long-term management of asthma and COPD, often in combination with inhaled corticosteroids.

Lab Monitoring

Serum potassium levels (in patients at risk of hypokalemia)

Doctor Notes

Emphasize that Renafor-B is for maintenance therapy and not for acute bronchospasm.
Instruct patients on the correct use of the dry powder inhaler device.
Always prescribe an inhaled corticosteroid concurrently for asthma patients using a LABA.
Monitor for cardiovascular side effects, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions.

Patient Guidelines

Read the patient information leaflet carefully before use.
Do not use this medicine for sudden breathing problems; use your rescue inhaler instead.
Use regularly as prescribed, even if you feel well.
Ensure correct inhalation technique with the specific inhaler device.
Never swallow the capsule.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Formoterol is unlikely to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience side effects like dizziness, avoid driving or operating machinery.