Symbicort: Advanced Asthma and COPD Control
Symbicort
| Product dosage: 100 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $46.00 | $46.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 2 | $36.50 | $92.00 $73.00 (21%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 3 | $32.00
Best per inhaler | $138.00 $96.00 (30%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 200 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $50.00 | $50.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 2 | $45.50 | $100.00 $91.00 (9%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 3 | $41.00
Best per inhaler | $150.00 $123.00 (18%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 400 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $55.00 | $55.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 2 | $50.00 | $110.00 $100.00 (9%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 3 | $44.00
Best per inhaler | $165.00 $132.00 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Symbicort is a combination maintenance inhaler containing budesonide, a corticosteroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). It is clinically 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 intended for the relief of acute bronchospasm and should be used consistently as prescribed for optimal disease management.
Features
- Contains budesonide (corticosteroid) and formoterol (long-acting bronchodilator)
- 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 therapy
- Built-in dose counter to track remaining medication
Benefits
- Provides dual-action therapy targeting both inflammation and bronchoconstriction
- Reduces frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations
- Improves lung function and overall quality of life
- Helps maintain long-term control of respiratory symptoms
- Convenient twice-daily dosing supports adherence
- May reduce the need for rescue inhaler use
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 long-acting beta2-agonist. In COPD, it is indicated for the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction to reduce exacerbations. It is critical to note that Symbicort is not indicated for the relief of acute symptoms; a separate, fast-acting bronchodilator 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 determined by the prescribing clinician based on disease severity and prior therapy. For COPD, the recommended dosage is 2 inhalations of Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg twice daily. Patients should rinse their mouth with water without swallowing after each dose to reduce the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis. Proper inhaler technique is essential for effective drug delivery; patients should receive demonstration and periodic reassessment from a healthcare provider.
Precautions
Patients using Symbicort should be monitored for increased risk of pneumonia, particularly those with COPD. Systemic effects of corticosteroids may occur, especially at higher doses or with prolonged use, including adrenal suppression, reduction in bone mineral density, cataracts, glaucoma, and growth retardation in children. There is an increased risk of asthma-related death and hospitalization associated with LABAs; this risk must be balanced against the benefits of asthma control. Patients should not use Symbicort more frequently or at higher doses than prescribed. Sudden worsening of symptoms warrants immediate medical evaluation.
Contraindications
Symbicort is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to budesonide, formoterol, or any component of the formulation. It should not be used for the primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where intensive measures are required. Due to the presence of a LABA, it is not recommended as a monotherapy for asthma and should only be used when a patient’s asthma is not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a LABA.
Possible side effect
Common adverse reactions include nasopharyngitis, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngolaryngeal pain, sinusitis, and influenza. Oral candidiasis (thrush) and dysphonia may occur due to the corticosteroid component. The LABA component may cause palpitations, chest pain, tachycardia, tremors, and nervousness. Less common but serious side effects include pneumonia (in COPD patients), cardiovascular effects (e.g., elevated blood pressure), paradoxical bronchospasm, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.
Drug interaction
Concomitant use with other beta-adrenergic drugs (e.g., other LABAs, SABAs) may potentiate sympathetic effects and increase the risk of cardiovascular adverse events. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) may increase budesonide plasma concentrations and the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects. Diuretics or xanthine derivatives may potentiate hypokalemia or ECG changes. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants can potentiate the cardiovascular effects of formoterol. Patients should inform their prescriber of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
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 or double the next dose to make up for a missed one, as this increases the risk of adverse effects. Consistency in dosing is important for maintaining therapeutic effect, so patients should strive to adhere to the prescribed schedule.
Overdose
Overdosage may lead to exaggerated pharmacologic effects such as tachycardia, arrhythmias, tremors, headache, muscle cramps, dry mouth, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. Cardiac arrest and even death may occur. In case of suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive therapy is indicated. There is no specific antidote. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in cases of significant overdose. Patients should seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C), with excursions permitted between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). Do not freeze. Keep the canister away from direct heat or sunlight. Store with the mouthpiece down. Keep out of reach of children and pets. The inhaler is flammable; avoid exposure to high temperatures or open flame. Do not puncture or incinerate, even after use. Discard the inhaler 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 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. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Individual patient responses to Symbicort may vary based on health status, comorbidities, and other factors.
Reviews
Clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance demonstrate that Symbicort is effective in improving lung function and reducing exacerbations in appropriately selected patients with asthma or COPD. Many patients report better symptom control and improved quality of life with regular use. However, individual experiences can vary, and some users may not achieve desired control or may experience side effects. It is essential that treatment be individualized under the supervision of a healthcare professional who can monitor efficacy and safety over time.