Brovana (arformoterol tartrate) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Brovana comes as an inhaled solution that’s typically taken twice per day.

Brovana is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Brovana belongs to a drug class called beta-agonists. Brovana is available in a generic version, called arformoterol tartrate.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Brovana, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Brovana, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Brovana provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Brovana, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Brovana’s form, strength, and dosage.

Brovana form

Brovana comes as an inhaled solution. You’ll inhale your dose of Brovana through a standard jet nebulizer.

Brovana strength

Brovana comes in one strength of 15 micrograms (mcg) per 2 milliliters (mL) of solution.

Typical dosages

Your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect. The following information describes dosages that are commonly recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Doctors may prescribe Brovana to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in certain people.

If your doctor prescribes Brovana for COPD, you’ll likely take it twice per day. Typically, you’ll take one vial of 15 mcg/2 mL using your nebulizer in the morning and in the evening. This is the maximum dose of Brovana that’s recommended.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Long-term treatment

Brovana is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Brovana is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking Brovana, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Brovana comes as an inhaled solution. You’ll take your dose of Brovana twice per day using a standard jet nebulizer.

To take Brovana, you’ll open one vial of medication and pour it into the nebulizer medication reservoir. For each dose, you’ll breathe through a face mask or mouthpiece for 5–10 minutes. With a face mask, you can breathe through your nose or mouth. With a mouthpiece, you’ll breathe through your mouth for the treatment. Usually, your doctor will let you decide whether you prefer a face mask or a mouthpiece.

For step-by-step instructions on how to take Brovana, see the prescribing information.

You’ll take your dose of Brovana twice per day, spaced apart by about 12 hours. So, if you take your morning dose at 8:00 a.m., you should take your evening dose at 8:00 p.m. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Brovana can work effectively.

If you have questions about how to take Brovana, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you miss a dose of Brovana, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Do not take more Brovana than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Symptomsof an overdose

Overdose symptoms of Brovana can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Brovana

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Brovana. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Brovana.

Can I take Brovana along with budesonide? If so, which medication should I take first?

Yes, it’s possible that your doctor may recommend taking Brovana along with budesonide (Pulmicort). Brovana is a long-acting beta agonist and budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid. Both of these medications work in different ways to help you breathe easier.

When you start treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your doctor will discuss the best treatment plan for you. Your doctor may recommend taking Brovana before taking budesonide. This is because Brovana works by opening up your airways and helping you to breathe easier. Then, you’ll take your corticosteroid to decrease the swelling in your airways, which can also help you breathe easier.

By taking Brovana first, it may make it easier for the budesonide to get into your lungs and work more effectively. But before starting your treatment, you should always discuss your plan with your doctor.

If you have questions about taking Brovana along with budesonide (Pulmicort), talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Brovana to start working?

Brovana starts working right away after you take your first dose. You may notice that it’s easier for you to breath even a few minutes after taking Brovana. It’s important to continue taking Brovana twice per day to make sure the medication continues working.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Brovana treatment.

What is the recommended maximum dosage of Brovana?

The maximum dosage of Brovana that’s recommended is 15 micrograms (mcg) twice per day. No additional benefits are seen with doses larger than 30 mcg per day. For details about Brovana dosages, see the “Brovana dosage” section above.

If you have questions or concerns about your dosage of Brovana, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If it seems like you need a higher dosage, ask your doctor whether a dosage increase is right for you. Do not increase your dosage unless your doctor recommends doing so.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Brovana for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Brovana without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Brovana that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Brovana. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Brovana: For information about other aspects of Brovana, refer to this article.
  • Details about COPD: For details about your condition, see our COPD hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.