Summary: Formoterol belongs to the β2 adrenoreceptor agonists. Drugs from this group are mainly used in the treatment of obstructive diseases: asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Formoterol has been shown to be effective and well tolerated in many studies in both asthma and COPD. Distinctive properties – rapid, almost immediate reduction of symptoms and, at the same time, a typical action time for active β2-agonists – make formoterol a unique drug. This study summarizes the place of formoterol in modern pharmacotherapy.