What is Symbicort?
Symbicort inhaler contains two components: a corticosteroid (the primary preventive treatment) and a long-acting bronchodilator. It helps control asthma, especially symptoms that occur during exercise, but it is not effective for treating acute attacks that require a short-acting bronchodilator. The inhaler contains two different drugs: Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate.
Budesonide belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation in the lungs. Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate belongs to a group of drugs called bronchodilators, which work by relaxing the muscles in the airways, thus helping you breathe more easily.
Who should be treated with Symbicort inhaler?
Symbicort Turbuhaler is prescribed for the regular management of asthma and is also appropriate in the following cases:
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Patients whose condition cannot be adequately controlled with Ventolin alone.
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Symptomatic treatment of patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) where the patient’s normal airflow is (FEV1 – 50%) along with a history of significant symptoms despite using long-acting bronchodilators.
What is the regular dose of Symbicort?
Symbicort is used as a long-term preventive treatment as follows:
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Adults (18 years and older): 1-2 inhalations twice daily.
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Adolescents (12-17 years): 1-2 inhalations twice daily.
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Children (6 years and older): Available in a child-strength formulation for ages 6-11.
What forms does this medication come in?
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Symbicort 100 Turbuhaler: Each inhalation contains a powder consisting of 100 mcg of Budesonide and 6 mcg of Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate per dose.
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Symbicort 200 Turbuhaler: Each inhalation contains a powder consisting of 200 mcg of Budesonide and 6 mcg of Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate per dose.
What are the possible side effects?
If any of the following symptoms occur, you should stop using Symbicort Turbuhaler and speak to your doctor immediately:
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Swelling of the face, especially around the mouth.
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Hives on the skin with difficulty breathing and/or sudden feeling of weakness.
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Sudden wheezing after inhaling the medication (rare, affecting less than 1 in 10,000 people).
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Palpitations or temporary rapid heartbeat, tremor, and shaking.
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Fungal infection of the mouth (thrush).
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Mild throat irritation, cough, and hoarseness.
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Worsening headache.
