Symbicort: Advanced Asthma and COPD Control
| Product dosage: 100 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
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| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
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| 3 | $32.13
Best per inhaler | $138.55 $96.38 (30%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 200 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
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| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $50.20 | $50.20 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
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| 3 | $41.16
Best per inhaler | $150.60 $123.49 (18%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 400 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
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| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
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| 3 | $44.18
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Synonyms | |||
Symbicort is a combination maintenance inhaler designed for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains two active ingredients: budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the airways, and formoterol, a long-acting beta2-agonist that helps relax the muscles around the airways to improve breathing. This dual-action formulation provides both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, making it a cornerstone therapy for patients requiring regular treatment to prevent symptoms and exacerbations. Clinical evidence supports its efficacy in improving lung function, reducing rescue medication use, and enhancing overall quality of life for individuals with obstructive airway diseases.
Features
- Contains budesonide (corticosteroid) and formoterol (long-acting beta2-agonist) in a single inhaler
- Available in multiple strength combinations (e.g., 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg per inhalation)
- Delivered via a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) with a built-in dose counter
- Designed for twice-daily maintenance therapy
- Onset of bronchodilation occurs within 15 minutes of inhalation
Benefits
- Provides dual therapy to simultaneously reduce airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction
- Decreases the frequency and severity of asthma and COPD exacerbations
- Improves lung function measurements such as FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second)
- Reduces reliance on short-acting rescue inhalers
- Enhances overall symptom control and quality of life
- Convenient twice-daily dosing supports adherence to maintenance therapy
Common use
Symbicort is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 6 years and older, as well as for the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is not intended for the relief of acute bronchospasm; a separate short-acting bronchodilator should be used for rescue therapy. In asthma, it is typically prescribed for patients whose disease is not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with two maintenance therapies.
Dosage and direction
For asthma maintenance in patients 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 inhalations twice daily (morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart). The strength (80/4.5 mcg or 160/4.5 mcg) depends on disease severity and prior therapy. For patients 6 to 11 years old, the recommended dosage is 2 inhalations of Symbicort 80/4.5 mcg twice daily. For COPD maintenance, the recommended dosage is 2 inhalations of Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg twice daily. Patients should rinse their mouth with water after each dose to reduce the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis. The inhaler must be primised before first use and if not used for more than 7 days.
Precautions
Patients using Symbicort should be monitored for increased risk of pneumonia, particularly those with COPD. Systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression may occur, especially at higher doses over prolonged periods. A reduction in bone mineral density may be observed with long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids. There is an increased risk of cardiovascular effects, including increases in pulse rate and blood pressure. Patients should be cautioned regarding the potential for paradoxical bronchospasm; if it occurs, treatment should be discontinued immediately. Ophthalmic effects such as cataracts and glaucoma may occur with long-term use. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur. Patients should be advised not to use Symbicort more frequently than recommended and not to stop therapy abruptly without medical supervision.
Contraindications
Symbicort is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to budesonide, formoterol, or any component of the formulation. It should not be used for the treatment of acute asthma episodes or acute bronchospasm. Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where intensive measures are required is contraindicated.
Possible side effect
Common side effects include headache, nasopharyngitis, pharyngolaryngeal pain, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, oral candidiasis, hoarseness or dysphonia, cough, and nausea. More serious but less common side effects may include pneumonia (in COPD patients), cardiovascular effects (tachycardia, palpitations, chest pain), systemic corticosteroid effects (adrenal suppression, hypercorticism, growth suppression in children), paradoxical bronchospasm, hypersensitivity reactions, and hypokalemia. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.
Drug interaction
Symbicort may interact with strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), which can increase budesonide systemic exposure. Concomitant use with other beta-adrenergic drugs may potentiate sympathetic effects. Use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of formoterol. Beta-blockers may antagonize the effects of beta-agonists and produce severe bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD. Diuretics or non-potassium-sparing diuretics may worsen hypokalemia or ECG changes. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose. Doubling the dose may increase the risk of side effects.
Overdose
Overdosage may manifest as exaggeration of known pharmacologic effects: tachycardia, angina, hypertension or hypotension, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, dry mouth, palpitation, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia. Cardiac arrest and even death may occur. In case of suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive therapy is recommended. There is no specific antidote. Cardioselective beta-blockers may be considered but should be used with caution in patients with asthma or COPD due to the risk of inducing bronchospasm.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Do not freeze. Keep the canister away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not puncture or incinerate, even when empty. Store with the mouthpiece down. Keep out of reach of children. The inhaler has a dose counter; discard when the counter reads zero, even if it seems to contain more medication.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Individual patient needs and responses to therapy may vary.
Reviews
Clinical studies and patient reports generally indicate that Symbicort is effective in improving lung function and reducing exacerbation frequency in both asthma and COPD. Many patients report better symptom control and improved quality of life compared to monotherapy. Some users note the convenience of a combination inhaler. Common criticisms include the potential for oral thrush (which can often be managed with proper rinsing) and hoarseness. Adherence to twice-daily dosing is generally good, though some patients may find the regimen challenging over the long term. Overall, it is considered a reliable and effective maintenance therapy when used as prescribed under medical supervision.