Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Perforomist, nebulization, COPD

Perforomist is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle to cause bronchodilation and improve airflow in COPD patients.

Perforomist is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle to cause bronchodilation and improve airflow in COPD patients. Used for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance therapy.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

The drug activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, triggering a cascade that increases intracellular cAMP levels, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and sustained airway dilation. This provides long-acting bronchodilation (approximately 12 hours) that helps reduce airway obstruction and improve breathing in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Approved indications

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance therapy

Common side effects

• Tremor
• Headache
• Palpitations
• Muscle cramps
• Nervousness

Key clinical trials

• Formoterol in Diabetes (PHASE2)
• Study to Evaluate the Safety of Long-Term Use of Perforomist® (Formoterol Fumarate) (PHASE4)
• Safety Study of Arformoterol Tartrate Inhalation Solution in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Subjects (PHASE3)
• Sunovion Brovana Versus Serevent Inspiratory Capacity High Resolution Computed Tomography (PHASE4)
• Safety and Efficacy of Arformoterol Tartrate Inhalation Solution in Subjects With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (PHASE3)
• A Dose-Finding Study Evaluating Safety and Efficacy in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (PHASE2)

Primary sources

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