(a) adding to a nebulizer, from a propellant-free, sterile unit dose package about 0.1 to about 3.0 mL of a pharmaceutical composition comprising (R) formoterol or a salt thereof at a concentration of from about 0.08 μg/mL to about 43 μg/mL based on formoterol free base, in a pharmacologically suitable solution, wherein the composition further comprises water and a buffer having a concentration of from about 1 mM to about 50 mM, said composition having a pH of about 4.0 to about 6.0, and having an estimated shelf life of greater than 90% after 3 months storage at 25° C. and after 3 years storage at 5° C. (b) directly administering said composition to a subject in need thereof, without dilution or other modification of said prior to administration.