The Basics
What is Arfomoterol?
Used to control wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Brand names for Arfomoterol
Brovana
How Arfomoterol is classified
Anti-Asthmatic Agents, Beta Adrenergic Agonists, Bronchodilator Agents
Arfomoterol During Pregnancy
Arfomoterol pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Arfomoterol while pregnant
N/A
Taking Arfomoterol While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Arfomoterol?
Arfomoterol is the R -enantiomer of the long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist, formoterol. Although no published data exist on the use of arformoterol by inhalation during lactation, data from the related drug, terbutaline, indicate that very little is expected to be excreted into breastmilk.[1] The authors of several reviews and an expert panel agree that use of inhaled bronchodilators is acceptable during breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability and maternal serum levels after use.[2][3][4][5][6]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Arfomoterol is the R -enantiomer of the long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist, formoterol. Although no published data exist on the use of arformoterol by inhalation during lactation, data from the related drug, terbutaline, indicate that very little is expected to be excreted into breastmilk.[1] The authors of several reviews and an expert panel agree that use of inhaled bronchodilators is acceptable during breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability and maternal serum levels after use.[2][3][4][5][6]
Possible effects of Arfomoterol on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Arfomoterol
Terbutaline.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Lindberg C, Boreus LO, de Chateau P et al. Transfer of terbutaline into breast milk. Eur J Resp Dis. 1984;65 (Suppl 134):87-91. PMID: 6586490
2. McDonald CF, Burdon JGW. Asthma in pregnancy and lactation. A position paper for the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Med J Aust. 1996;165:485-8. PMID: 8937369
3. Ellsworth A. Pharmacotherapy of asthma while breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1994;10:39-41. PMID: 7619245
4. Nelson-Piercy C. Asthma in pregnancy. Thorax. 2001;56:325-8. PMID: 11254828
5. Taddio A, Ito S. Drugs and breast-feeding. In, Koren G, ed. Maternal-fetal toxicology. A clinician’s guide. 3rd ed. New York. Marcel Dekker. 2001;177-32.
6. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group. NAEPP expert panel report. Managing asthma during pregnancy: recommendations for pharmacologic treatment-2004 update. 2004;1-57. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/lung/asthma/astpreg.htm
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
