Symbicort: Advanced Dual-Action Asthma and COPD Control
| 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 designed for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It integrates a corticosteroid (budesonide) to reduce airway inflammation and a long-acting beta2-agonist (formoterol) to relax bronchial muscles, offering comprehensive respiratory support. This dual-mechanism approach helps prevent symptoms, improve lung function, and reduce exacerbation frequency, making it a cornerstone therapy in pulmonary care. Clinical evidence supports its efficacy in enhancing quality of life and daily symptom control for appropriate patient populations.
Features
- Contains budesonide (corticosteroid) and formoterol fumarate dihydrate (bronchodilator)
- Available in multiple strength combinations (e.g., 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg per inhalation)
- Delivered via a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI)
- Designed for twice-daily maintenance therapy
- Features a dose counter to track remaining actuations
Benefits
- Provides simultaneous anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects for comprehensive airway management
- Reduces frequency and severity of asthma and COPD exacerbations
- Improves lung function measurements (FEV1) and overall respiratory symptoms
- Enhances ability to perform daily activities with reduced breathlessness
- May decrease reliance on rescue inhalers when used consistently as prescribed
- Supports long-term disease control and stability
Common use
Symbicort is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 6 years and older, and for maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. In asthma management, it is typically prescribed for patients who require both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator therapy, particularly those not adequately controlled on inhaled corticosteroids alone. For COPD, it is used to improve symptoms and reduce exacerbations in patients with severe to very severe airflow limitation.
Dosage and direction
For asthma maintenance in patients 12 years and older: 2 inhalations twice daily (morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart). The recommended strength is typically 80/4.5 mcg or 160/4.5 mcg based on disease severity. For children 6-11 years: 2 inhalations of 80/4.5 mcg twice daily. For COPD: 2 inhalations of 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 by releasing 2 test sprays into the air away from the face.
Precautions
Monitor patients for increased use of short-acting beta2-agonists, as this may indicate deteriorating asthma control. Assess bone mineral density in patients at high risk for bone loss with long-term use. Use caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. Monitor potassium levels, as hypokalemia may occur. Be aware of possible systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression with high doses. Use the lowest effective dose to minimize systemic exposure. Not for use as a rescue medication for acute symptoms.
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 the relief of acute bronchospasm.
Possible side effects
Common side effects (≥3% incidence) include nasopharyngitis, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngolaryngeal pain, sinusitis, and influenza. Less common but serious side effects may include pneumonia (particularly in COPD patients), cardiovascular effects (tachycardia, palpitations, chest pain), paradoxical bronchospasm, immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions, adrenal insufficiency, reduced bone mineral density, eye effects (cataracts, glaucoma), and oropharyngeal candidiasis.
Drug interaction
Use with caution with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir) may increase budesonide systemic exposure. Concomitant use with other adrenergic drugs may potentiate sympathetic effects. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate cardiovascular effects. Beta-blockers may antagonize bronchodilator effects and produce severe bronchospasm. Diuretics may worsen ECG changes or hypokalemia. QT-prolonging drugs may increase risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not use more than 2 inhalations twice daily.
Overdose
Overdosage may produce symptoms of beta2-adrenergic stimulation (tachycardia, arrhythmias, tremor, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting) and/or corticosteroid effects (hypercorticism). Cardiac monitoring is recommended. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Consider judicious use of a cardioselective beta-blocker if tachyarrhythmias occur, bearing in mind risk of bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Dialysis is not appropriate.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Do not freeze. Keep the canister away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not puncture or incinerate, even when empty. Store with mouthpiece down. Keep out of reach of children. Discard inhaler when counter reads “0” or 3 months after removal from foil pouch, whichever comes first.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual patient needs may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Do not initiate or discontinue medication without medical supervision. Full prescribing information should be reviewed before use.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Symbicort significantly improves lung function and quality of life measures compared to monotherapy components alone. In asthma trials, Symbicort showed superior asthma control days and reduced exacerbation rates versus budesonide alone. COPD studies indicate reduced moderate and severe exacerbation frequency compared to formoterol or budesonide monotherapies. Real-world evidence supports maintained effectiveness in diverse patient populations with appropriate adherence. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate improved symptom control and convenience of combination therapy.