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Perforomist dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthDosageFAQHow it’s usedCouponOverdoseAsk your doctor
Doctors prescribe Perforomist for long-term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). You inhale it by mouth, through a nebulizer, twice per day.
Medically reviewed by Beth Thomas, PharmD, RPh
Updated on

This article describes Perforomist’s dosage and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Perforomist. If you want to know more about Perforomist, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Perforomist is a brand-name medication that comes as a liquid solution for inhalation. It’s available in a generic version called formoterol fumarate. This article describes dosages of Perforomist.

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Form and strength of Perforomist

Perforomist comes as follows:

  • Form: liquid solution, which you inhale through a nebulizer device*
  • Strength: 20 micrograms (mcg) per 2 milliliters (mL) in each vial

* A nebulizer is a device that turns a liquid solution into a mist that you inhale through your mouth.

Dosage of Perforomist

This article describes the recommended dosage for Perforomist. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Perforomist without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of Perforomist in adults

Doctors prescribe Perforomist to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. This includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema

Dosage for long lasting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Starting dosage: 20 mcg twice per day 
  • Maintenance dosage: 20 mcg twice per day 
  • Maximum dosage: 40 mcg daily 
  • Frequency: every 12 hours

Missed dose of Perforomist

If you realize you forgot to take a dose of Perforomist, just skip it and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not try to make up for the missed dose by taking two doses at one time.

For tips on how to plan your doses of Perforomist and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Perforomist and its dosage.

How does the dosage of Perforomist compare with the dosage of budesonide?

Perforomist is taken as a 20 mcg dosage twice per day. It is prescribed for adults.

Budesonide inhalation suspension is prescribed to treat asthma in some children. Budesonide comes as a liquid suspension, which is inhaled through a nebulizer device. It also comes in other forms.

The recommended dosage of budesonide inhalation suspension ranges from 0.25 mg twice per day to 0.5 mg twice per day or 1 mg once per day, depending on the previous treatments your child has tried.

If you have questions about the dosage of Perforomist compared with budesonide, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Perforomist be used for asthma? If so, what is the dosage?

No, Perforomist is not approved to treat asthma. If you have questions about medications to treat asthma, talk with your doctor.

Is Perforomist used long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe Perforomist as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should use Perforomist, talk with your doctor.

How Perforomist is used

You’ll inhale Perforomist liquid solution using a nebulizer device twice each day. Each dose needs to be taken about 12 hours apart.

With a nebulizer, the Perforomist liquid solution will be turned into a mist that you inhale through your mouth, which then goes into your lungs.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same times each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

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Overdose of Perforomist

It’s important that you do not use more Perforomist than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Perforomist overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you use too much Perforomist

If you think you’ve used too much Perforomist, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for Perforomist. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of Perforomist without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Perforomist exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Will my dosage of Perforomist change if I take other medications with it?
  • What do I need to know about using the nebulizer to ensure I’m getting the right dosage?
  • Will a higher dosage of Perforomist increase my risk of side effects?
  • What will cause my dosage of Perforomist to change?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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