Symbicort: Advanced Asthma & COPD Control Medication
| Product dosage: 100 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $39.56 | $39.56 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 2 | $31.39 | $79.12 $62.78 (21%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 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 prescribed for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains two active ingredients: budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation, and formoterol, a long-acting beta2-agonist that relaxes airway muscles. This dual-action formulation helps prevent symptoms, improve lung function, and reduce exacerbation frequency. It is not intended for immediate relief of acute bronchospasm.
Features
- Contains budesonide (corticosteroid) and formoterol (bronchodilator)
- 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 an integrated dose counter
Benefits
- Provides dual anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects for comprehensive airway management
- Reduces frequency and severity of asthma and COPD exacerbations
- Improves lung function measurements (FEV1) within 15 minutes of administration
- Enhances overall quality of life through better symptom control
- Offers convenient twice-daily dosing regimen for adherence
- May reduce need for rescue inhaler use when used consistently
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. For asthma management, it is typically prescribed when a medium-dose inhaled corticosteroid alone provides inadequate control. In COPD, it is used to improve symptoms and reduce exacerbations in patients with a history of exacerbations.
Dosage and direction
For asthma maintenance in patients 12 years and older: 2 inhalations twice daily (morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart). For patients 6-11 years: 2 inhalations of Symbicort 80/4.5 mcg twice daily. For COPD: 2 inhalations of Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg twice daily. Shake well before each inhalation. Rinse mouth with water after each use to reduce risk of oral candidiasis. Do not exceed prescribed dosage. Prime the inhaler before first use or if not used for more than 7 days.
Precautions
Monitor patients periodically for effects on adrenal function, particularly during stress or surgery. Assess bone mineral density in patients at high risk for bone loss. Monitor intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Watch for hypercorticism and adrenal suppression. Use caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. Be vigilant for paradoxical bronchospasm. Monitor growth in pediatric patients. Consider alternative therapies in patients with active or quiescent tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, or viral infections.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to budesonide, formoterol, or any component of the formulation. Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where intensive measures are required. Not indicated for relief of acute symptoms.
Possible side effects
Common: Oropharyngeal candidiasis, headache, pharyngitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, dysphonia, cough. Less common: Palpitations, chest pain, tachycardia, nervousness, tremor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Rare but serious: Paradoxical bronchospasm, cardiovascular effects, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, adrenal suppression, reduced bone mineral density, growth suppression in children, glaucoma, cataracts.
Drug interaction
Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, clarithromycin, nefazodone, saquinavir, nelfinavir) may increase budesonide systemic exposure. Use with other beta-adrenergic drugs may potentiate sympathetic effects. May potentiate hypokalemic effects of xanthine derivatives, steroids, or diuretics. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate cardiovascular effects. Beta-blockers may antagonize effects and produce severe bronchospasm.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one. Resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not use more frequently than prescribed.
Overdose
Overdose may produce symptoms of beta-adrenergic stimulation including tachycardia, arrhythmias, tremor, headache, muscle cramps, dry mouth, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, insomnia, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, and seizures. Cardiac arrest and death may occur. In case of overdose, discontinue Symbicort and institute supportive and symptomatic treatment as required.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F). For optimal performance, store with the mouthpiece down. Keep away from extreme heat and cold. Do not puncture or incinerate. Keep out of reach of children. Discard when the dose counter reads “0” or 3 months after removal from the foil pouch, whichever comes first.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Do not initiate or discontinue medication without medical supervision. Individual response to medication may vary.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Symbicort significantly improves lung function and quality of life compared to monotherapy components alone. In asthma trials, Symbicort reduced exacerbation rates by 23-39% compared to budesonide alone. COPD studies showed 24% reduction in moderate-to-severe exacerbations. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate improved symptom control and convenience of combination therapy. Real-world evidence supports maintained efficacy with appropriate adherence to prescribed regimen.