Drug Alerts
Recently Added
Top 10 Pages

Symbicort

Generic Name: 

Budesonide, formoterol fumarate dehydrate

Brand Names: 

Symbicort

Symbicort Description: 

Symbicort is a combination drug containing budesonide, a synthetic corticosteroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta-adrenoceptor agonist. It is used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CORP) and severe asthma. Symbicort works to prevent and reduce the breathing difficulties associated with these conditions by reducing inflammation in the airways of the lungs and prompting a relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscle.

Symbicort Side Effects: 

Common side effects associated with the use of Symbicort include:

  • Back pain
  • Congestion
  • Flu symptoms
  • Headache
  • Inflammation of the sinuses
  • Nose or throat irritation
  • Sore throat
  • Stomach pain
  • Thrush in the throat or mouth
  • Respiratory tract infection
  • Vomiting

Symbicort may be associated with other, more serious side effects.

For more information, see our Symbicort side effects page.

Symbicort Uses: 

Symbicort is used in the treatment of COPD. COPD is a common lung disease characterized by partially blocked airways in the lungs that cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and excessive coughing. Patients with COPD have either emphysema or chronic bronchitis, but most have both. The majority of patients with COPD have a history of smoking.

Symbicort is also used alongside other medications in the treatment of severe asthma in patients at least 12 years of age. Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the airways and symptoms such as wheezing, tightness in the chest and other breathing difficulties.

Symbicort is intended for use as a maintenance medication and should not be used as a rescue inhaler.

Symbicort Interactions: 

Patients should speak with their doctor about the use of any medications, vitamins or supplements before taking Symbicort.

The following medications may adversely interact with Symbicort:

  • Antidepressants, including MAO inhibitors
  • Diuretics
  • HIV medications
  • Other long-acting beta-agonists
Symbicort Dosage Information: 

Typical Dosage Recommendations

Symbicort dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage depending upon your individual needs. It is important to follow the dosage guidelines established by your doctor.

Symbicort is administered through the use of an oral inhaler and is available in the following dosages:

  • Symbicort 80/4.5, which contains 80 mcg of budesonide and 4.5 mcg of formoterol
  • Symbicort 160/4.5, which contains 160 mcg of budesonide and 4.5 mcg of formoterol

Patients using Symbicort to help control asthma generally administer two inhalations of the medication in the morning and two inhalations of the medication in the evening. Patients are prescribed either Symbicort 80/4.5 or Symbicort 160/4.5, depending upon the severity of their condition.

Patients using Symbicort for the treatment of COPD typically administer two inhalations of Symbicort 160/4.5 both in the morning and in the evening. Patients should not administer a higher dose of Symbicort than prescribed, as doing so will not provide additional relief.

Missing a Dose of Symbicort

If you forget to administer a dose of Symbicort, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not administer a higher dose of Symbicort to make up for a missed dose.

Symbicort Overdose

Patients should contact their doctor or seek immediate medical attention if they believe they may have overdosed on Symbicort.

Symbicort FDA Approval: 

July 21, 2006

Symbicort Recall/Black Box Warning Information: 

Symbicort, along with other medications containing long-acting beta-agonists such as formoterol, carries a black box warning informing consumers that the medication may increase the risk of fatal asthma attacks. Because of this risk, Symbicort should only be used in patients with severe asthma that cannot be controlled with other asthma medications alone.

Other Warnings

Symbicort is used as a maintenance medication for patients with COPD and severe asthma. It should not be used as a rescue inhaler. Your doctor should prescribe additional medications that may be used in emergency situations if necessary.

Sources: 
  1. http://www.mysymbicort.com/
  2. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/Scripts/cder/DrugsatFDA/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.DrugDetails
  3. http://mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601975
  4. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Copd/Copd_WhatIs.html
  5. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhatIs.html
Drug News & Alerts
Subscribe to RSS