How To Use Fostair
Complete Step‑by‑Step Usage Guide, Dosage Instructions & Safety Information
Key Takeaways: How To Use Fostair
- Correct technique is essential: prime new inhaler, breathe out away from device, inhale slowly and deeply, hold breath, rinse mouth afterwards.
- Dosage depends on regimen: fixed‑dose (1‑2 puffs twice daily, max 4) or MART (1 puff twice daily + up to 6 extra as needed, max 8/day).
- Who can use: adults (≥18 years) with asthma or severe COPD. Not licensed for children.
- Food & drink: no direct interaction, but rinse mouth after use (water, not food).
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding: use only if clearly needed; discuss with your doctor.
Fostair is a combination inhaler containing beclometasone and formoterol. Using it correctly ensures the medicine reaches your lungs and reduces side effects. Below you’ll find detailed instructions, dosage tables, and safety advice.
Important Medical Advice
Stop using Fostair and use your blue reliever inhaler immediately if: you experience sudden wheezing or breathlessness right after inhalation (possible paradoxical bronchospasm). Also seek urgent help if you develop swelling of the face, lips or throat (allergic reaction). If your asthma symptoms worsen or you need more reliever puffs than usual, contact your doctor urgently.
How to Take Fostair: Step‑by‑Step Usage Guide
Follow these steps exactly to ensure you receive the full dose. The Fostair inhaler is a pressurised metered‑dose inhaler (pMDI) with a dose counter.
Preparing a new inhaler or one not used for 14 days
- Remove the mouthpiece cover.
- Hold the inhaler upright (canister on top).
- Direct the mouthpiece away from you and press firmly to release one puff into the air.
- Check the dose counter reads 120 (for a new inhaler).
Daily use (each puff)
- Stand or sit upright.
- Breathe out gently away from the inhaler, emptying your lungs.
- Seal your lips around the mouthpiece (do not bite).
- Start breathing in slowly and deeply through your mouth; immediately after starting to inhale, press firmly on the top of the canister to release one puff. Continue to breathe in fully.
- Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for at least 5‑10 seconds (or as long as comfortable).
- Breathe out slowly away from the inhaler.
- If a second puff is prescribed, wait about 30 seconds, then repeat steps 2‑6.
- After use, replace the mouthpiece cover.
- Rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth to prevent oral thrush.
Cleaning
Clean the inhaler once a week: remove the canister, wipe the mouthpiece inside and out with a dry cloth. Do not use water.
🗒️ Pro tip: If you see mist escaping from the top or sides of your mouth, the dose was not inhaled correctly. Repeat with a new puff.
Fostair Dosage Guide (Asthma & COPD)
Your doctor will prescribe the regimen that suits your condition. Fostair 100/6 is the standard strength.
| Indication | Regimen | Dose | Maximum daily dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asthma (fixed‑dose) | Maintenance only + separate reliever | 1‑2 puffs twice daily | 4 puffs |
| Asthma (MART) | Maintenance and reliever therapy | 1 puff morning + 1 puff evening, plus additional puffs as needed for symptoms | 8 puffs (max 6 reliever puffs on top of maintenance) |
| Severe COPD | Fixed‑dose | 2 puffs twice daily | 4 puffs |
Important: Do not exceed the prescribed maximum. If you feel you need more puffs, consult your doctor – your asthma may be worsening.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never double the dose.
Who Should Use Fostair and Who Should Not
Fostair is suitable for:
- Adults (18 years and older) with asthma not adequately controlled on inhaled corticosteroids and as‑needed short‑acting bronchodilators.
- Adults with severe COPD (FEV₁ <50% predicted) and a history of exacerbations, as maintenance therapy.
Do not use Fostair if:
- You are allergic to beclometasone dipropionate, formoterol fumarate, or any excipient (ethanol, norflurane).
- You are under 18 years (safety not established).
- You have a sudden severe asthma attack – use your blue reliever instead.
Consult your doctor before use if you have: heart disease (angina, recent heart attack, arrhythmias), high blood pressure, diabetes, low potassium, overactive thyroid, phaeochromocytoma, liver or kidney disease, or if you are due to have anaesthesia.
Taking Fostair: With or Without Food?
Fostair is inhaled, so food does not affect its absorption into the lungs. However, you should rinse your mouth with water after each use to remove any drug deposited in the mouth and throat; this reduces the risk of oral thrush and hoarseness. Avoid eating or drinking immediately after rinsing for a few minutes if possible, but it is not necessary to take with food.
The small amount of ethanol (alcohol) in each puff (equivalent to less than 1 ml of beer per two puffs) is negligible and does not interact with food.
Special Conditions: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Other
Pregnancy
There are limited data on Fostair use in pregnancy. Uncontrolled asthma poses risks to both mother and baby, so it may be continued if clearly needed. Use only if your doctor advises that the benefit outweighs the risk. The lowest effective dose should be used.
Breastfeeding
Beclometasone and formoterol are expected to pass into breast milk in very small amounts. At therapeutic doses, they are unlikely to affect the infant. Discuss with your doctor; usually, breastfeeding can continue while using Fostair.
Hepatic or renal impairment
No specific dose adjustment is provided in the PIL, but caution is advised in severe hepatic impairment because beclometasone (active metabolite) may accumulate. Your doctor may monitor systemic effects.
Elderly
No dose adjustment needed; use the standard adult dose.
Diabetes
High doses of formoterol can increase blood glucose; monitor levels more frequently when starting treatment.
Fostair FAQs
How do I know if I am using the Fostair inhaler correctly?
You should not see mist escaping from the top or sides of your mouth. If you do, the dose was not inhaled properly. Practice in front of a mirror, or ask your pharmacist to check your technique.
Can I use a spacer with Fostair?
Yes, the AeroChamber Plus™ spacer is compatible. Using a spacer can improve lung deposition and reduce oropharyngeal side effects. Follow the spacer’s instructions carefully.
What should I do if I accidentally take too many puffs?
If you take more than prescribed, you may experience rapid heartbeat, tremor, headache, nausea, or low potassium. Contact your doctor or seek medical advice. In case of severe symptoms, go to A&E.
Can I stop using Fostair if I feel better?
No, do not stop without consulting your doctor. Fostair is a maintenance treatment; stopping suddenly may cause your asthma to worsen. Your doctor will advise when and how to step down.
Does Fostair contain alcohol?
Yes, each actuation contains a small amount of ethanol (7 mg). This is equivalent to less than 1 ml of beer per two puffs, so it does not cause any noticeable effect.
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Clinical References & Sources
Medical Content Manager
Nabeel co‑founded Chemist Doctor and ensures all medical content is accurate and evidence‑based.
Medical Doctor
Dr. Feroz is a GMC‑registered doctor and respiratory specialist reviewer.
Medical Director
Usman is Superintendent Pharmacist and co‑founder, overseeing clinical governance.
Review Date: 8 March 2026
Next Review: 8 September 2026
Published on: 8 March 2026
Last Updated: 8 March 2026