Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: AKT
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Black Box Warning
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ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH
See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
*Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs) increase the risk of asthma-related death.
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Overview
Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate is a combination of an anticholinergic and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist that is FDA approved for the treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is a Black Box Warning for this drug as shown here. Common adverse reactions include urinary tract infection and cough.
Adult Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is a combination of glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate indicated for the long-term, maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or for the treatment of asthma
Dosing information
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE (glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate 9 mcg/4.8 mcg) should be administered as two inhalations taken twice daily in the morning and in the evening by the orally inhaled route only.
- Do not take more than two inhalations twice daily.
- After priming each actuation of the inhaler meters 10.4 mcg of glycopyrrolate (equivalent to 8.3 mcg of glycopyrronium) and 5.5 mcg of formoterol fumarate from the valve which delivers 9 mcg of glycopyrrolate (equivalent to 7.2 mcg of glycopyrronium) and 4.8 mcg of formoterol fumarate from the actuator. The actual amount of drug delivered to the lung may depend on patient factors, such as the coordination between actuation of the device and inspiration through the delivery system.
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE contains 28 or 120 inhalations per canister. The canister has an attached dose indicator, which indicates how many inhalations remain. The dose indicator display will move after every tenth actuation. When nearing the end of the usable inhalations, the color behind the number in the dose indicator display window changes to red. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be discarded when the dose indicator display window shows zero.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate in adult patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate in adult patients.
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)
There is limited information regarding Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric) in the drug label.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate in pediatric patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate in pediatric patients.
Contraindications
- All LABAs are contraindicated in patients with asthma without use of a long-term asthma control medication.
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is not indicated for the treatment of asthma.
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to glycopyrrolate, formoterol fumarate, or to any component of the product.
Warnings
|
ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH
See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
*Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs) increase the risk of asthma-related death.
|
- Asthma-Related Death
- Data from a large placebo-controlled trial in subjects with asthma showed that LABAs may increase the risk of asthma-related death. Data are not available to determine whether the rate of death in patients with COPD is increased by LABAs.
- A 28-week, placebo-controlled US trial comparing the safety of another LABA (salmeterol) with placebo, each added to usual asthma therapy, showed an increase in asthma-related deaths in subjects receiving salmeterol (13/13,176 in subjects treated with salmeterol vs. 3/13,179 in subjects treated with placebo; RR 4.37, 95% CI: 1.25, 15.34). The increased risk of asthma-related death is considered a class effect of LABAs, including formoterol fumarate, one of the active ingredients in BEVESPI AEROSPHERE.
- No trial adequate to determine whether the rate of asthma-related deaths is increased in patients treated with BEVESPI AEROSPHERE has been conducted. The safety and efficacy of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in patients with asthma have not been established. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is not indicated for the treatment of asthma.
- Deterioration of Disease and Acute Episodes
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should not be initiated in patients with acutely deteriorating COPD, which may be a life-threatening condition. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE has not been studied in patients with acutely deteriorating COPD. The use of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in this setting is inappropriate.
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should not be used for the relief of acute symptoms, i.e., as rescue therapy for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE has not been studied in the relief of acute symptoms and extra doses should not be used for that purpose. Acute symptoms should be treated with an inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist.
- When beginning BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, patients who have been taking inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonists on a regular basis (e.g., four times a day) should be instructed to discontinue the regular use of these medicines and use them only for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory symptoms. When prescribing BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, the healthcare provider should also prescribe an inhaled, short acting beta2-agonist and instruct the patient on how it should be used. Increasing inhaled beta2-agonist use is a signal of deteriorating disease for which prompt medical attention is indicated.
- COPD may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours or chronically over several days or longer. If BEVESPI AEROSPHERE no longer controls the symptoms of bronchoconstriction, or the patient’s inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist becomes less effective, or the patient needs more inhalations of short-acting beta2-agonist than usual, these may be markers of deterioration of disease. In this setting, a re-evaluation of the patient and the COPD treatment regimen should be undertaken at once. Increasing the daily dosage of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE beyond the recommended dose is not appropriate in this situation.
- Excessive Use of BEVESPI and Use with Other Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
- As with other inhaled medicines containing beta2-agonists, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should not be used more often than recommended, at higher doses than recommended, or in conjunction with other medications containing LABAs, as an overdose may result. Clinically significant cardiovascular effects and fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic medicines. Patients using BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should not use another medicine containing a LABA for any reason.
- Paradoxical Bronchospasm
- As with other inhaled medicines, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be life threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs following dosing with BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, it should be treated immediately with an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be discontinued immediately, and alternative therapy should be instituted.
- Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Immediate hypersensitivity reactions have been reported after administration of glycopyrrolate or formoterol fumarate, the components of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE. If signs suggesting allergic reactions occur, in particular, angioedema (including difficulties in breathing or swallowing, swelling of tongue, lips and face), urticaria, or skin rash, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be stopped at once and alternative treatment should be considered.
- Cardiovascular Effects
- Formoterol fumarate, like other beta2-agonists, can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients as measured by increases in pulse rate, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, or symptoms. If such effects occur, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE may need to be discontinued. In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce electrocardiographic changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression, although the clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
- Therefore, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.
- Coexisting Conditions
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, like all medications containing sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders or thyrotoxicosis and in those who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines. Doses of the related beta2-agonist albuterol, when administered intravenously, have been reported to aggravate pre-existing diabetes mellitus and ketoacidosis.
- Hypokalemia and Hyperglycemia
- Beta2-agonist medications may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects. The decrease in serum potassium is usually transient, not requiring supplementation. Beta2-agonist medicines may produce transient hyperglycemia in some patients. In two clinical trials of 24-weeks and a 28-week safety extension study evaluating BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in subjects with COPD, there was no evidence of a treatment effect on serum glucose or potassium.
- Worsening of Narrow-Angle Glaucoma
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. Prescribers and patients should be alert for signs and symptoms of acute narrow-angle glaucoma (e.g., eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, visual halos or colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival congestion and corneal edema). Instruct patients to consult a physician immediately should any of these signs or symptoms develop.
- Worsening of Urinary Retention
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be used with caution in patients with urinary retention. Prescribers and patients should be alert for signs and symptoms of urinary retention (e.g., difficulty passing urine, painful urination), especially in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction. Instruct patients to consult a physician immediately should any of these signs or symptoms develop.
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Trials Experience
LABAs, such as formoterol fumarate, one of the active ingredients in BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, increase the risk of asthma-related death. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is not indicated for the treatment of asthma.
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The clinical program for BEVESPI AEROSPHERE included 4,911 subjects with COPD in two 24-week lung function trials, one long-term safety extension study of 28 weeks, and 10 other trials of shorter duration. A total of 1,302 subjects have received at least 1 dose of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE. The safety data described below are based on the two 24-week trials and the one 28-week long-term safety extension trial. Adverse reactions observed in the other trials were similar to those observed in these confirmatory trials.
- 24-week trials
- The incidence of adverse reactions with BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in Table 1 is based on reports in two 24-week, placebo-controlled trials (Trials 1 and 2; n=2,100 and n=1,610, respectively). Of the 3,710 subjects, 56% were male and 91% were Caucasian. They had a mean age of 63 years and an average smoking history of 51 pack-years, with 54% identified as current smokers. At screening, the mean post-bronchodilator percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was 51% (range: 19% to 82%) and the mean percent reversibility was 20% (range: -32% to 135%).
- Subjects received one of the following treatments: BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, glycopyrrolate 18 mcg, formoterol fumarate 9.6 mcg, or placebo twice daily or active control.
TABLE 1
- Other adverse reactions defined as events with an incidence of >1% but less than 2% with BEVESPI AEROSPHERE but more common than with placebo included the following: arthralgia, chest pain, tooth abscess, muscle spasms, headache, oropharyngeal pain, vomiting, pain in extremity, dizziness, anxiety, dry mouth, fall, influenza, fatigue, acute sinusitis, and contusion.
- Long-Term Safety Extension Trial
- In a 28-week long-term safety extension trial, 893 subjects who successfully completed Trial 1 or Trial 2 were treated for up to an additional 28 weeks for a total treatment period of up to 52 weeks with BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, glycopyrrolate 18 mcg, formoterol fumarate 9.6 mcg administered twice daily or active control. Because the subjects continued from Trial 1 or Trial 2 into the safety extension trial, the demographic and baseline characteristics of the long-term safety extension trial were similar to those of the placebo-controlled efficacy trials described above. The adverse reactions reported in the long-term safety trial were consistent with those observed in the 24-week placebo-controlled trials.
- Additional Adverse Reactions: Other adverse reactions that have been associated with the component formoterol fumarate include: hypersensitivity reactions, hyperglycemia, sleep disturbance, agitation, restlessness, tremor, nausea, tachycardia, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and extrasystoles).
Postmarketing Experience
There is limited information regarding Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate Postmarketing Experience in the drug label.
Drug Interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with BEVESPI AEROSPHERE.
- Adrenergic Drugs
- If additional adrenergic drugs are to be administered by any route, they should be used with caution because the sympathetic effects of formoterol, a component of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, may be potentiated.
- Xanthine Derivatives, Steroids, or Diuretics
- Concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, steroids, or diuretics may potentiate any hypokalemic effect of beta2 adrenergic agonists such as formoterol, a component of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE.
- Non-Potassium Sparing Diuretics
- The ECG changes and/or hypokalemia that may result from the administration of non-potassium-sparing diuretics (such as loop or thiazide diuretics) can be acutely worsened by beta2-agonists, especially when the recommended dose of the beta2-agonist is exceeded.
- Approximately 17% of subjects were taking non-potassium sparing diuretics during the two 24-week placebo-controlled trials in subjects with COPD. The incidence of adverse events in subjects taking non-potassium-sparing diuretics was similar between BEVESPI AEROSPHERE and placebo treatment groups.
- There was no evidence of a treatment effect on serum potassium with BEVESPI AEROSPHERE compared to placebo in subjects taking non-potassium sparing diuretics during the two 24-week trials. However, caution is advised in the coadministration of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE with non-potassium-sparing diuretics.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, Tricyclic Antidepressants, QTc Prolonging Drugs
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, as with other beta2-agonists, should be administered with extreme caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants or other drugs known to prolong the QTc interval because the action of adrenergic agonists on the cardiovascular system may be potentiated by these agents. Drugs that are known to prolong the QTc interval may be associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
- Beta-Blockers
- Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists (beta-blockers) and BEVESPI AEROSPHERE may interfere with the effect of each other when administered concurrently. Beta-blockers not only block the therapeutic effects of beta2-agonists, but may produce severe bronchospasm in COPD patients. Therefore, patients with COPD should not normally be treated with beta-blockers. However, under certain circumstances, e.g., as prophylaxis after myocardial infarction, there may be no acceptable alternatives to the use of beta-blockers in patients with COPD. In this setting, cardioselective beta-blockers could be considered, although they should be administered with caution.
- Anticholinergics
- There is a potential for an additive interaction with concomitantly used anticholinergic medications. Therefore, avoid coadministration of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE with other anticholinergic-containing drugs as this may lead to an increase in anticholinergic adverse effects
Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category (FDA): C Teratogenic Effects:
- There are no adequate and well-controlled trials of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE or its individual components, glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate, in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Women should be advised to contact their physicians if they become pregnant while taking BEVESPI AEROSPHERE.
- Glycopyrrolate:
- There was no evidence of teratogenic effects in rats and rabbits at approximately 18,000 and 270 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose (MRHDID) in adults (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 65 mg/kg/day in rats and at a maternal intramuscular injection dose of 0.5 mg/kg in rabbits).
- Single-dose studies in humans found that very small amounts of glycopyrrolate passed the placental barrier.
- Formoterol Fumarate:
- Formoterol fumarate has been shown to be teratogenic, embryocidal, to increase pup loss at birth and during lactation, and to decrease pup weights in rats and teratogenic in rabbits. These effects were observed at approximately 1,500 (rats) and 61,000 (rabbits) times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses of 3 mg/kg/day and above in rats and 60 mg/kg/day in rabbits). Umbilical hernia was observed in rat fetuses at approximately 1,500 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses of 3 mg/kg/day and above). Prolonged pregnancy and fetal brachygnathia was observed in rats at approximately 7600 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at an oral maternal dose of 15 mg/kg/day in rats). In another study in rats, no teratogenic effects were seen at approximately 600 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal inhalation doses up to 1.2 mg/kg/day in rats).
- Subcapsular cysts on the liver were observed in rabbit fetuses at an oral dose approximately 61,000 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at a maternal oral dose of 60 mg/kg/day in rabbits). No teratogenic effects were observed at approximately 3600 times the MRHDID (on a mg/m2 basis at maternal oral doses up to 3.5 mg/kg/day).
Pregnancy Category (AUS):
There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate in women who are pregnant.
Labor and Delivery
There are no well-controlled human trials that have investigated the effects of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE on preterm labor or labor at term. Because beta2-agonists may potentially interfere with uterine contractility, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be used during labor only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because formoterol fumarate, one of the active ingredients in BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, has been detected in the milk of lactating rats, caution should be exercised when BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is administered to a nursing woman. Since there are no data from controlled trials on the use of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE by nursing mothers, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, taking into account the importance of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE to the mother.
Pediatric Use
BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is not indicated for use in children. The safety and effectiveness of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in the pediatric population have not been established.
Geriatic Use
Based on available data, no adjustment of the dosage of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in geriatric patients is necessary, but greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
The confirmatory trials of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE for COPD included 1,680 subjects aged 65 and older and, of those, 290 subjects were aged 75 and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects.
Gender
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate with respect to specific gender populations.
Race
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate with respect to specific racial populations.
Renal Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using BEVESPI AEROSPHERE have not been conducted in patients with renal impairment. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2) or end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis, BEVESPI AEROSPHERE should be used if the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk.
Hepatic Impairment
Formal pharmacokinetic studies using BEVESPI AEROSPHERE have not been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. However, since formoterol fumarate is predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism, impairment of liver function may lead to accumulation of formoterol fumarate in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic disease should be closely monitored.
Females of Reproductive Potential and Males
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate in women of reproductive potentials and males.
Immunocompromised Patients
There is no FDA guidance one the use of Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate in patients who are immunocompromised.
Administration and Monitoring
Administration
Priming BEVESPI AEROSPHERE is essential to ensure appropriate drug content in each actuation. Prime BEVESPI AEROSPHERE before using for the first time. To prime BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, release 4 sprays into the air away from the face, shaking well before each spray. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE must be re-primed when the inhaler has not been used for more than 7 days. To re-prime BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, release 2 sprays into the air away from the face, shaking well before each spray.
BEVESPI AEROSPHERE (glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate 9 mcg/4.8 mcg) should be administered as two inhalations taken twice daily in the morning and in the evening by the orally inhaled route only. Do not take more than two inhalations twice daily.
Monitoring
There is limited information regarding Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate Monitoring in the drug label.
IV Compatibility
There is limited information regarding the compatibility of Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate and IV administrations.
Overdosage
No cases of overdose have been reported with BEVESPI AEROSPHERE. BEVESPI AEROSPHERE contains both glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate; therefore, the risks associated with overdosage for the individual components described below apply to BEVESPI AEROSPHERE. Treatment of overdosage consists of discontinuation of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE together with institution of appropriate symptomatic and/or supportive therapy. The judicious use of a cardioselective beta-receptor blocker may be considered, bearing in mind that such medication can produce bronchospasm. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in case of overdosage. Glycopyrrolate High doses of glycopyrrolate, a component of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, may lead to anticholinergic signs and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, increased intraocular pressure (causing pain, vision disturbances or reddening of the eye), obstipation or difficulties in voiding. However, there were no systemic anticholinergic adverse effects following single inhaled doses up to 144 mcg in subjects with COPD. Formoterol Fumarate An overdose of formoterol fumarate would likely lead to an exaggeration of effects that are typical for beta2-agonists: seizures, angina, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, palpitations, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, sleep disturbances, metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia. As with all sympathomimetic medications, cardiac arrest and even death may be associated with abuse of formoterol fumarate.
Pharmacology
There is limited information regarding Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate Pharmacology in the drug label.
Mechanism of Action
BEVESPI AEROSPHERE contains both glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate. The mechanism of action described below for the individual components apply to BEVESPI AEROSPHERE. These drugs represent two different classes of medications (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist and a long-acting selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonist) that have different effects on clinical and physiological indices. Glycopyrrolate Glycopyrrolate is a long-acting antimuscarinic agent which is often referred to as an anticholinergic. It has similar affinity to the subtypes of muscarinic receptors M1 to M5. In the airways, it exhibits pharmacological effects through inhibition of the M3 receptor at the smooth muscle leading to bronchodilation. The competitive and reversible nature of antagonism was shown with human and animal origin receptors and isolated organ preparations. In preclinical in vitro as well as in vivo studies, prevention of methylcholine and acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstrictive effects was dose-dependent and lasted more than 12 hours. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown. The bronchodilation following inhalation of glycopyrrolate is predominantly a site-specific effect. Formoterol Fumarate Formoterol fumarate is a long-acting selective beta2-adrenergic agonist (beta2-agonist) with a rapid onset of action. Inhaled formoterol fumarate acts locally in the lung as a bronchodilator. In vitro studies have shown that formoterol has more than 200-fold greater agonist activity at beta2-receptors than at beta1-receptors. The in vitro binding selectivity to beta2- over beta1-adrenoceptors is higher for formoterol than for albuterol (5 times), whereas salmeterol has a higher (3 times) beta2-selectivity ratio than formoterol. Although beta2-receptors are the predominant adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and beta1-receptors are the predominant receptors in the heart, there are also beta2-receptors in the human heart comprising 10% to 50% of the total beta-adrenergic receptors. The precise function of these receptors has not been established, but they raise the possibility that even highly selective beta2-agonists may have cardiac effects.
The pharmacologic effects of beta2-adrenoceptor agonist drugs, including formoterol fumarate, are at least in part attributable to stimulation of intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3', 5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). Increased cyclic AMP levels cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells.
In vitro tests show that formoterol fumarate is an inhibitor of the release of mast cell mediators, such as histamine and leukotrienes, from the human lung. Formoterol fumarate also inhibits histamine-induced plasma albumin extravasation in anesthetized guinea pigs and inhibits allergen-induced eosinophil influx in dogs with airway hyper-responsiveness. The relevance of these in vitro and animal findings to humans is unknown.
Structure
BEVESPI AEROSPHERE (glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate) Inhalation Aerosol is a pressurized metered-dose inhaler that contains a combination of micronized glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic, and micronized formoterol fumarate, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist, for oral inhalation.
Glycopyrrolate is a quaternary ammonium salt with the following chemical name: (RS)-[3-(SR)-Hydroxy-1,1-dimethylpyrrolidinium bromide] α-cyclopentylmandelate. Glycopyrrolate is a powder that is freely soluble in water. The molecular formula is C19H28BrNO3, and the molecular weight is 398.33 g/mol. The structural formula is as follows: STRUCTURE1 Glycopyrrolate contains two chiral centers (denoted by * in structure above) and is a racemate of a 1:1 mixture of the R,S and S,R diastereomers. The active moiety, glycopyrronium, is the positively charged ion of glycopyrrolate.
Formoterol fumarate has the chemical name N-[2-Hydroxy-5-[(1RS)-1-hydroxy-2-[(1RS)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1- methylethyl]-amino] ethyl]phenyl] formamide, (E)-2-butenedioate dihydrate. Formoterol fumarate is a powder that is slightly soluble in water. The molecular formula is (C19H24N2O4)2.C4H4O4.2H2O and the molecular weight is 840.91 g/mol. The structural formula is as follows: STRUCTURE 2 Formoterol fumarate contains two chiral centers (denoted by * in structure above), and consists of a single enantiomeric pair (a racemate of R,R and S,S).
Pharmacodynamics
Cardiovascular effects: Healthy Subjects
- The potential for QTc interval prolongation was assessed in a double-blind, single-dose, placebo- and positive-controlled crossover trial in 69 healthy subjects. The largest mean (90% upper confidence bound) differences from placebo in baseline-corrected QTcI for 2 inhalations of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE and glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate 72/19.2 mcg, were 3.1 (4.7) ms and 7.6 (9.2) ms, respectively, and excluded the clinically relevant threshold of 10 ms.
- A dose-dependent increase in heart rate was also observed. The largest mean (90% upper confidence bound) differences from placebo in baseline-corrected heart rate were 3.3 (4.9) beats/min and 7.6 (9.5) beats/min seen within 10 minutes of dosing with 2 inhalations of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE and glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate 72/19.2 mcg, respectively.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- The effect of glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate on cardiac rhythm in subjects with COPD was assessed using 24-hour Holter monitoring in 2-week and 24-week trials. All treatments were administered as two inhalations twice daily. In the 2-week trial, the Holter monitoring population included 58 subjects on glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate 18/4.8 mcg, 58 subjects on glycopyrrolate 18 mcg, and 60 subjects on formoterol fumarate 4.8 mcg. In the 24-week trial, the Holter monitoring population included 171 subjects on BEVESPI AEROSPHERE, 160 subjects on glycopyrrolate 9 mcg, 174 subjects on formoterol fumarate 4.8 mcg, and 80 subjects on placebo. No clinically meaningful effects on cardiac rhythm were observed.
Pharmacokinetics
Linear pharmacokinetics were observed for glycopyrrolate (dose range: 18 to 144 mcg) and formoterol fumarate (dose range: 2.4 to 19.2 mcg) after oral inhalation.
- Absorption
- Glycopyrrolate: Following inhaled administration of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in subjects with COPD, Cmax occurred at 5 minutes. Steady state is expected to be achieved within 2-3 days of repeated dosing of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE and the extent of exposure is approximately 2.3 times higher than after the first dose.
- Formoterol Fumarate: Following inhaled administration of BEVESPI AEROSPHERE in subjects with COPD, Cmax occurred within 20 to 60 minutes. Steady state is expected to be achieved within 2-3 days of repeated dosing with BEVESPI AEROSPHERE and the extent of exposure is approximately 1.5 times higher than after the first dose.
- Distribution
- Glycopyrrolate: Population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that estimated Vc/F (volume of the central compartment), and V2/F (volume of the peripheral compartment) are 951 L, and 2019 L, respectively.
- Formoterol Fumarate: Population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that estimated Vc/F (volume of the central compartment), and V2/F (volume of the peripheral compartment) are 948 L, and 434 L, respectively. Over the concentration range of 10-500 nmol/L, plasma protein binding of formoterol ranged from 46% to 58%.
- Metabolism
- Glycopyrrolate: Based on information from the published literature, metabolism plays a minor role in the overall elimination of glycopyrrolate.
- Formoterol Fumarate: The primary metabolism of formoterol is by direct glucuronidation and by O-demethylation followed by conjugation to inactive metabolites. Secondary metabolic pathways include deformylation and sulfate conjugation. CYP2D6 and CYP2C have been identified as being primarily responsible for O-demethylation.
- Elimination
- Glycopyrrolate: After IV administration of a 0.2 mg radiolabeled glycopyrrolate, 85% of dose recovered was recovered in urine 48 hours post dose and some of radioactivity was also recovered in bile. The terminal elimination half-life derived via population pharmacokinetics analysis was 11.8 hours.
- Formoterol Fumarate: The excretion of formoterol was studied in four healthy subjects following simultaneous administration of radiolabeled formoterol via the oral and IV routes. In that study, 62% of the radiolabeled formoterol was excreted in the urine while 24% was eliminated in the feces. The terminal elimination half-life derived via population pharmacokinetics analysis was 11.8 hours.
- Special Populations
Nonclinical Toxicology
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Precautions with Alcohol
Alcohol-Glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.
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Look-Alike Drug Names
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References
The contents of this FDA label are provided by the National Library of Medicine.