furoatevilanterol

Furoate vilanterol, also referred to as vilanterol furoate, is an inhaled salt form of the long-acting beta-2 agonist vilanterol. It is used as the beta-adrenergic component in fixed-dose inhalers designed for chronic management of obstructive airway diseases. In clinical products, it is commonly combined with an inhaled corticosteroid to provide both bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects.

Mechanism and pharmacology

Vilanterol is a selective long-acting beta-2 receptor agonist that induces relaxation of airway smooth muscle, producing sustained bronchodilation. As a long-acting agent, its therapeutic effect supports once-daily dosing in approved inhalation preparations. The furoate salt is used to formulate a stable inhaled product that enables consistent delivery with each actuation. In fixed-dose combinations, vilanterol’s bronchodilatory action complements the anti-inflammatory effects of the accompanying corticosteroid.

Medical uses and forms

Furoate vilanterol is used in combination inhalers for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and certain forms of asthma in adults and some age groups depending on local approvals. The best-known commercial examples are inhalers that pair vilanterol with fluticasone furoate, marketed in some regions as Relvar Ellipta or Breo Ellipta. In these products, a single daily inhalation delivers both the corticosteroid and the LABA.

Safety and regulatory status

As with other long-acting beta-agonists, vilanterol-containing inhalers are intended for maintenance therapy and should not be used as monotherapy. Potential adverse effects include tremor, tachycardia, headache, and nasopharyngitis. Patients should use these medications under medical supervision, with attention to contraindications and precautions related to cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, or hypersensitivity to the components.