Symbicort: Advanced Asthma & COPD Control Delivered
| Product dosage: 100 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
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| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $46.20 | $46.20 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
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| 3 | $32.14
Best per inhaler | $138.60 $96.41 (30%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 200 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $50.22 | $50.22 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
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| 3 | $41.18
Best per inhaler | $150.65 $123.53 (18%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 400 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
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| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
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| 2 | $50.22 | $110.47 $100.43 (9%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 3 | $44.19
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Synonyms | |||
Symbicort is a combination maintenance inhaler containing budesonide, a corticosteroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). It is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 6 years and older and for the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This medication works by reducing inflammation in the airways and relaxing airway muscles to prevent symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. It is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
Features
- Contains budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid) and formoterol fumarate dihydrate (a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist)
- Available in two strengths: 80/4.5 mcg and 160/4.5 mcg per inhalation
- Delivered via a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI)
- Designed for twice-daily maintenance dosing
- Features an integrated dose counter to track remaining inhalations
- Formulated with hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) as a propellant
Benefits
- Provides dual-action therapy targeting both airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction
- Reduces the frequency of asthma exacerbations and COPD flare-ups
- Improves lung function as measured by FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second)
- Enhances overall quality of life by enabling better daily symptom control
- May reduce the need for rescue inhaler use
- Convenient twice-daily dosing supports adherence to maintenance therapy
Common use
Symbicort is routinely prescribed for the long-term management of persistent asthma in patients whose disease is not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a LABA. In COPD, it is indicated for the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction to reduce exacerbations. It is critical to emphasize that Symbicort is not intended for as-needed relief of acute symptoms; a separate, fast-acting bronchodilator (e.g., albuterol) should be used for rescue therapy.
Dosage and direction
For asthma maintenance in patients 6 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) is based on disease severity and prior therapy. For COPD, the recommended dosage is 2 inhalations of Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg twice daily. Patients must prime the inhaler before first use or if it has not been used for more than 7 days. The mouthpiece should be rinsed with water and dried after each use to prevent medication buildup and oral candidiasis. Shake the inhaler well before each use.
Precautions
Patients should be monitored for increased use of rescue inhalers, as this may signify deteriorating asthma control. Systemic corticosteroid effects, such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression, may occur, particularly at higher doses over prolonged periods. There is an increased risk of pneumonia in patients with COPD. Patients should be advised never to exceed the prescribed dosage. Paradoxical bronchospasm may occur immediately after inhalation; if this happens, treatment should be discontinued immediately and alternative therapy instituted. A reduction in bone mineral density may occur with long-term use. Patients with cardiovascular disorders, convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, or ketoacidosis should be closely monitored. Hypokalemia and hyperglycemia may occur.
Contraindications
Symbicort is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to budesonide, formoterol, or any component of the formulation. It is not indicated for the treatment of acute asthma episodes or status asthmaticus. Primary treatment of asthma with LABA monotherapy without an inhaled corticosteroid is contraindicated due to an increased risk of asthma-related death.
Possible side effect
Common side effects may include nasopharyngitis, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngolaryngeal pain, sinusitis, influenza, back pain, nasal congestion, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and oral candidiasis. More serious side effects can include pneumonia (in COPD patients), cardiovascular effects (e.g., chest pain, hypertension, tachycardia, palpitations), paradoxical bronchospasm, immunosuppression, adrenal insufficiency, reduced bone mineral density, eye effects (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma), and hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, rash, bronchospasm).
Drug interaction
Concomitant use with other beta-adrenergic drugs may potentiate sympathetic effects. Use with strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) may increase budesonide systemic exposure. Diuretics may potentiate hypokalemia or ECG changes. Use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, or drugs known to prolong the QTc interval may potentiate the effect of formoterol on the cardiovascular system. Beta-blockers may antagonize the effects of formoterol and produce severe bronchospasm in patients with asthma or COPD.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Overdosage may potentiate the pharmacologic effects of both components. Symptoms may include tachycardia, arrhythmias, tremor, headache, muscle cramps, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, insomnia, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, and seizures. Cardiac arrest and death may occur. Supportive measures should be instituted, with attention to cardiac and respiratory status. There is no specific antidote; treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). The canister should be stored with the mouthpiece down. Keep away from extreme heat or open flame. Do not puncture or incinerate, even when empty. Keep out of reach of children. Discard the inhaler when the counter reads “0” or 3 months after removal from the foil pouch, whichever comes first.
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 or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
Reviews
Clinical studies and patient-reported outcomes consistently demonstrate Symbicort’s efficacy in improving lung function and reducing exacerbation rates in both asthma and COPD. Many patients report significant improvements in daily symptom control, exercise tolerance, and quality of life. Adherence is often cited as favorable due to the twice-daily dosing schedule and the integrated dose counter. As with all medications, individual responses can vary, and some patients may experience side effects. It is crucial that therapy is continuously evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure optimal benefit and safety.