Symbicort: Advanced Asthma and COPD Control
| Product dosage: 100 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $46.14 | $46.14 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 2 | $36.61 | $92.28 $73.22 (21%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 3 | $32.10
Best per inhaler | $138.42 $96.29 (30%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 200 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $50.15 | $50.15 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 2 | $45.64 | $100.31 $91.28 (9%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 3 | $41.13
Best per inhaler | $150.46 $123.38 (18%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 400 mcg + 6 mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per inhaler | Price | Buy |
| 1 | $55.17 | $55.17 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 2 | $50.15 | $110.34 $100.31 (9%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 3 | $44.13
Best per inhaler | $165.50 $132.40 (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 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 is designed to provide both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, supporting improved symptom control and reduced exacerbation frequency in appropriate patient populations. It is not intended for immediate relief of acute bronchospasm.
Features
- Contains budesonide (corticosteroid) and formoterol (long-acting 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 to track remaining medication
Benefits
- Provides dual therapy to address both inflammation and bronchoconstriction
- Helps improve lung function and reduce daytime and nighttime symptoms
- May decrease the frequency of asthma exacerbations and COPD flare-ups
- Supports long-term disease control with consistent use
- Can reduce the need for rescue inhaler use over time
- Offers convenient twice-daily dosing for 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 used as a controller medication to manage chronic symptoms and prevent exacerbations, not for acute relief. In some asthma patients, it may also be used for both maintenance and relief therapy per specific prescribing guidelines.
Dosage and direction
For asthma maintenance: The recommended dosage is 2 inhalations twice daily (morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart). For COPD: 2 inhalations twice daily. Dosage strength should be individualized based on disease severity and prior therapy. Patients should rinse their mouth with water after each use to reduce the risk of oral candidiasis. Proper inhaler technique is essential for optimal drug delivery—patients should receive demonstration and periodic reassessment of their inhalation method.
Precautions
Patients should be monitored for increased use of rescue bronchodilators, which may indicate deteriorating asthma control. Systemic corticosteroid effects may occur, particularly at higher doses, including adrenal suppression, reduced bone mineral density, and growth effects in children. There is an increased risk of pneumonia in patients with COPD. Patients should be advised not to use Symbicort for acute symptoms and to have a short-acting bronchodilator available for rescue use. Oropharyngeal candidiasis may occur; rinsing after use can help mitigate this risk.
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. Not recommended as a rescue medication for acute bronchospasm.
Possible side effect
Common side effects may include headache, throat irritation, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, and oral candidiasis. Less frequently, patients may experience palpitations, chest pain, tachycardia, tremors, nervousness, hoarseness, or cough. Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may be associated with systemic effects such as adrenal suppression, reduced bone density, cataracts, glaucoma, and growth suppression in children. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.
Drug interaction
Concomitant use with other beta-adrenergic drugs may potentiate sympathetic effects. Use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) may increase budesonide exposure. Caution is advised when using with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or drugs that prolong the QT interval due to potential additive effects. Diuretics may worsen hypokalemia or ECG changes.
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 double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Overdosage may lead to exaggerated pharmacologic effects such as tachycardia, arrhythmias, tremors, headache, muscle cramps, dry mouth, nausea, and hyperglycemia. Cardiac arrest may occur in severe cases. Supportive measures should be instituted, and treatment should be symptomatic. There is no specific antidote. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in cases of significant overdose.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Do not freeze. Keep the canister away from direct heat or sunlight. The contents are under pressure—do not puncture or incinerate. Keep out of reach of children. 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 provided for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for personalized recommendations regarding their condition and treatment. Dosage and usage should be strictly followed as prescribed. Individual results may vary.
Reviews
Clinical studies have demonstrated that Symbicort significantly improves lung function and symptom control in asthma and COPD patients compared to placebo. Many patients report improved quality of life and reduced exacerbation frequency with regular use. Healthcare providers often note its efficacy in moderate to severe cases, though individual response should be regularly assessed. Some users mention the importance of proper technique for optimal benefit.