Symbicort in the US has a label dose of 80mcg/4.5mcg which is equivalent to 100mcg/6mcg in the UK and 160mcg/4.5mcg which is equivalent to 200mcg/6mcg in the UK.
The amount of medicine delivered is identical in the US and United Kingdom inhalers. The difference in the amount showing on the label is only because the measurement occurs at a different point in the actuation process. The medicines in the UK and USA deliver exactly the same amount of active medicine.
Information about Symbicort (Budesonide / Formoterol)
Symbicort is a combination medication that includes two active ingredients: Budesonide (a corticosteroid) and Formoterol (a long-acting beta agonist). It is commonly used for the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The combination of these two drugs helps reduce inflammation and relax the muscles of the airways, making breathing easier for individuals with these respiratory conditions. Symbicort is typically inhaled through a metered-dose inhaler or a dry powder inhaler.
Product Highlights
- It is used in the maintenance treatment of asthma for individuals who require long-term control of their symptoms.
- Symbicort helps manage symptoms of COPD, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, by improving airflow and reducing flare-ups.
Key Ingredients
Key Benefits
- The combination of Budesonide and Formoterol helps open up the airways while reducing inflammation, making it effective in controlling symptoms of asthma and COPD.
- It helps prevent asthma attacks by controlling airway inflammation and reducing bronchoconstriction.
- By relaxing airway muscles, Symbicort improves airflow and helps alleviate shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing in people with asthma or COPD.
- It has been shown to reduce the frequency of COPD exacerbations and asthma attacks, improving the quality of life for patients.
- Available in a convenient inhaler form for ease of use.
Direction of Use
- Symbicort is typically administered using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or a dry powder inhaler. Instructions for use will depend on the type of inhaler provided.
- The standard dosage is usually 1 inhalation twice daily (morning and evening), but this may vary depending on the patient’s needs and the severity of the condition.
- Inhalation should be done properly to ensure the medication is delivered to the lungs. Patients should follow the instructions carefully and perform a breath-hold after inhalation for optimal medication absorption.
Safety Concerns
- Some of the most common side effects include throat irritation, hoarseness, dry mouth, and headache.
- Rare but serious side effects may include heart palpitations, chest pain, difficulty breathing, tremors, and an increased risk of pneumonia in COPD patients.
- LABAs like Formoterol, when used alone, have been associated with an increased risk of asthma-related death. Therefore, it is important to use Symbicort only as part of a combination therapy and not as a standalone treatment for asthma.
- As Budesonide is a corticosteroid, it may suppress the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections, particularly respiratory infections like pneumonia.
- Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is important, especially for those with heart conditions or a history of respiratory infections.
Avoid Symbicort (Budesonide / Formoterol) If
- If you are allergic to Budesonide, Formoterol, or any other components of Symbicort, you should avoid using this medication.
- Symbicort is not intended for the relief of acute asthma attacks or sudden breathing difficulties. It is for long-term control, not for emergency use.
- If you have a history of heart problems such as arrhythmias, angina, or uncontrolled hypertension, you should avoid using Symbicort or consult your doctor before use.
- Symbicort should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is not known if Symbicort passes into breast milk, so consult a doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
- Symbicort is generally not recommended for children under the age of 12, as safety and efficacy in this age group have not been established.
