Formoterol used in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is marketed in three forms: a dry-powder inhaler, a metered-dose inhaler and an inhalation solution. Inhaled formoterol works like other β2 agonists, causing bronchodilation by relaxing the smooth muscle in the airway so as to treat the exacerbation of asthma.

Formoterol has an extended duration of action (up to 12 h) compared to short-acting β2 agonists such as salbutamol (albuterol), which are effective for 4 h to 6 h. LABAs such as formoterol are used as "symptom controllers" to supplement prophylactic corticosteroid therapy. A "reliever" short-acting β2 agonist (e.g., salbutamol) is still required, since LABAs are not recommended for the treatment of acute asthma.

Tobacco smoking is the most common cause of COPD, with factors such as air pollution and genetics playing a smaller role. In the developing world, one of the common sources of air pollution is poorly vented heating and cooking fires. Long-term exposure to these irritants causes an inflammatory response in the lungs, resulting in narrowing of the small airways and breakdown of lung tissue

Formal Chemical Name (IUPAC)
N-(2-hydroxy-5-((R)-1-hydroxy-2-(((R)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)propan-2-yl)amino)ethyl)phenyl)formamide

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formoterol