Symbicort: Advanced Asthma and COPD Control
| Product dosage: 100 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $39.56 | $39.56 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
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| 3 | $27.52
Best per inhaler | $118.68 $82.56 (30%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 200 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $43.00 | $43.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 2 | $39.13 | $86.00 $78.26 (9%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 3 | $35.26
Best per inhaler | $129.00 $105.78 (18%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 400 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $47.30 | $47.30 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 2 | $43.00 | $94.60 $86.00 (9%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 3 | $37.84
Best per inhaler | $141.90 $113.52 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
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 bronchodilator effects, making it a cornerstone therapy for patients requiring regular treatment to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations. Clinical evidence supports its efficacy in improving lung function, reducing rescue medication use, and enhancing overall quality of life for appropriately indicated individuals.
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)
- Delivered via a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI)
- Designed for twice-daily maintenance therapy
- Features a dose counter to track remaining medication
Benefits
- Provides dual-action therapy targeting both inflammation and bronchoconstriction
- Reduces frequency and severity of asthma and COPD exacerbations
- Improves lung function measurements (FEV1) within clinical studies
- Enhances overall symptom control and quality of life
- May decrease reliance on short-acting rescue inhalers
- Convenient twice-daily dosing supports adherence
Common use
Symbicort 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 COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. In asthma management, 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). For patients 6 to 11 years: The recommended dosage is 2 inhalations of Symbicort 80/4.5 mcg twice daily. For COPD: The recommended dosage is 2 inhalations of Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg twice daily. Patients should prime the inhaler before first use and if not used for more than 7 days. Shake well before each inhalation. Rinse mouth with water after each use to reduce the risk of oral candidiasis.
Precautions
Symbicort should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders (especially coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and hypertension), convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, ketoacidosis, and in patients unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines. Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may cause systemic effects including adrenal suppression, reduced bone mineral density, ocular effects (cataracts, glaucoma), and growth suppression in children. Patients should be monitored for signs of systemic corticosteroid effects during periods of stress or severe asthma attacks.
Contraindications
Symbicort is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to budesonide, formoterol, or any component of the formulation. It should not be used for the treatment of acute asthma attacks or status asthmaticus. Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where intensive measures are required is not appropriate with this medication.
Possible side effects
Common side effects (≥1%) include: headache, pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, throat irritation, stomach discomfort, oral candidiasis, hoarseness, and cough. Less common but serious side effects may include: paradoxical bronchospasm, cardiovascular effects (tachycardia, palpitations, chest pain), hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, systemic corticosteroid effects, and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Patients should be instructed to seek immediate medical attention if they experience worsening respiratory symptoms, chest pain, or signs of infection.
Drug interaction
Symbicort may interact with several medication classes. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir) may increase budesonide exposure. Concomitant use with other beta-adrenergic drugs may potentiate sympathetic effects. Use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of formoterol. Diuretics may enhance the hypokalemic effect of beta2-agonists. Beta-blockers may antagonize the effects of Symbicort and produce severe bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, patients should take it as soon as they remember, 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 double the dose to make up for a missed one. Consistent use as prescribed is important for maintaining disease control.
Overdose
Overdosage may produce symptoms consistent with systemic corticosteroid and beta-adrenergic excess. These may include tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension, nervousness, headache, tremor, muscle cramps, dry mouth, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia. Cardiac arrest and even death may occur with excessive sympathomimetic stimulation. Treatment should be supportive and symptomatic with appropriate monitoring. There is no specific antidote.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F). For optimal performance, the canister should be at room temperature before use. Do not freeze. Keep away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not puncture or incinerate the container, even when empty. Store with the mouthpiece down. 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 provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Symbicort is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should not initiate, discontinue, or change dosage without consulting their physician. Individual results may vary based on patient-specific factors and disease severity.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate that Symbicort provides significant improvement in asthma and COPD control compared to monotherapy components. In randomized controlled trials, patients using Symbicort showed greater improvements in lung function (FEV1), reduced exacerbation rates, and improved quality of life scores compared to those using budesonide or formoterol alone. Real-world evidence supports these findings, with many patients reporting better symptom control and reduced rescue medication use. However, individual responses vary, and some patients may experience side effects that require dosage adjustment or alternative therapy.