Oxis Turbuhaler (Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Oxis Turbuhaler Used For?
Oxis Turbuhaler contains formoterol, a bronchodilator that opens up your airways to help you breathe more easily. It’s designed for people with asthma who need regular treatment to control their symptoms.
Primary Uses
Oxis Turbuhaler is used for regular maintenance treatment to prevent asthma attacks, and can also be used when needed to treat symptoms when asthma control worsens. It may be used for difficulty breathing at night or before exercise to keep airways open. It must be used together with other regular preventer medicines called inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).
How It Works
Formoterol is a bronchodilator belonging to a group of medicines called beta-2-agonists. It works by opening up the airways in your lungs, making it easier to breathe. The effects start working soon after you take it and last up to 12 hours.
Good to know: Oxis Turbuhaler starts working soon after you take it and provides relief for up to 12 hours.
How to Take Oxis Turbuhaler
Oxis Turbuhaler should be inhaled into your lungs through your mouth. Follow all directions given by your doctor or pharmacist carefully, as they may differ from general instructions.
Dosage Instructions
Regular maintenance treatment: The usual dose is one inhalation (6 mcg [4.5 mcg] or 12 mcg [9 mcg]) twice daily. Some patients may need 2 inhalations twice daily. For adults, maximum maintenance dose is 4 inhalations of 6 mcg twice daily, or 2 inhalations of 12 mcg twice daily. For children 12 years and over, maximum is 2 inhalations of 6 mcg twice daily, or 1 inhalation of 12 mcg twice daily. As-needed use (adults over 18 only): Additional doses may be taken to relieve symptoms. Total daily dose should not exceed 12 inhalations of 6 mcg per day, or 6 inhalations of 12 mcg per day.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next maintenance dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- tremor
- muscle cramps
- agitation, restlessness
- sleep disturbances
- headache, dizziness
- palpitations, fast/irregular heart rate
- chest pain
- nausea
- taste disturbances
- skin rash
- changes in blood pressure
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- difficulty breathing or worsening breathing problems
- swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts
- severe rash
- severe allergic reactions
Important Warnings
Before using Oxis Turbuhaler, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider to ensure safe use.
Who Should Not Take Oxis Turbuhaler
Do not use if you are allergic to formoterol, lactose, or any ingredients in Oxis Turbuhaler. Not recommended for children under 12 years unless directed by a doctor.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: thyroid problems, diabetes, heart problems, liver problems, low potassium levels in blood, or any allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Oxis Turbuhaler during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Oxis Turbuhaler and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- Beta-blockers used for heart problems or high blood pressure
- Diuretics and antiarrhythmics (disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine)
- Beta-blockers used for glaucoma (including eye drops)
- Tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and phenothiazines
- Antihistamines for hayfever, coughs, colds
- Erythromycin (antibiotic)
- Xanthine derivatives (eg theophylline) for asthma treatment
Alcohol & Driving
While the source material doesn’t specifically mention alcohol or driving restrictions, you should be aware of potential side effects that could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the source material. However, consult your doctor about alcohol use while taking this medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery, especially if you experience side effects like dizziness, headache, or tremor that could affect your ability to perform these activities safely.
Storage
Keep your Turbuhaler in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, with the cover firmly in place. Store away from moisture, heat, or sunlight – not in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. The Turbuhaler mouthpiece must be wiped with a clean dry tissue and must never get wet.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Oxis Turbuhaler, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, trembling, or feeling shaky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oxis Turbuhaler starts to work soon after you take it and the effects last up to 12 hours.
No, do not stop using Oxis Turbuhaler suddenly without checking with your doctor. Continue using it for as long as your doctor tells you, even if you feel well, as it helps control your condition but doesn’t cure it.
If you find that your usual dose isn’t giving as much relief as before, or you need to use it more often, contact your doctor so your condition can be checked. This is important to ensure your breathing problem is controlled properly.
Oxis Turbuhaler should be used together with other regular preventer medicines called inhaled corticosteroids. However, do not use other medicines containing long-acting beta-2-agonists like salmeterol while taking Oxis Turbuhaler.
Oxis Turbuhaler is not recommended for children under 12 years unless directed by a doctor. For children 12 years and over, the maximum maintenance dose should not exceed 2 inhalations of 6 mcg twice daily or 1 inhalation of 12 mcg twice daily.
The Turbuhaler mouthpiece must be wiped with a clean dry cloth or tissue and must never get wet. Full cleaning instructions are provided inside each pack.
Have your reliever medicine available at all times. If you have an Asthma Action Plan agreed with your doctor, follow it closely. Contact your doctor if symptoms worsen over three days despite using more than 8 inhalations per day of 6 mcg or 4 inhalations per day of 12 mcg.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.