- budesonide/formoterol
SYMBICORT Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Warnings & Dosing
Medically reviewed
by
Jamie Winn, Pharm.DWritten by
Rajive Patel, B.Pharm
What is SYMBICORT?
SYMBICORT is the brand name for budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate and is available as a metered dose inhaler.
What dosages is SYMBICORT available in?
SYMBICORT is available as a metered-dose inhaler containing a combination of budesonide (80 or 160 mcg) and formoterol (4.5 mcg) as an inhalation aerosol.
What is SYMBICORT used for?
SYMBICORT is an inhaled corticosteroid/LABA combination that is used to treat:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
How does SYMBICORT work?
SYMBICORT is a combination of two medications. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that works in your lungs to lower swelling and inflammation, making it easier for you to breathe. Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that relaxes the muscles around the airways to the lungs. This opens up the lungs and makes breathing easier.
How do I take SYMBICORT?
SYMBICORT is dosed as follows:
Asthma
- Adults and children age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 inhalations of Symbicort 80/4.5 or Symbicort 160/4.5 twice daily
- Children ages 6-11 years old: The typical dose is 2 inhalations of Symbicort 80/4.5 by mouth twice a day
COPD
- Adults: The typical dose is 2 inhalations of Symbicort 160/4.5 by mouth twice a day
Is it safe for me to take SYMBICORT?
SYMBICORT is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
- Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or acute episodes of asthma or COPD requiring intensive measures
- Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in SYMBICORT
SYMBICORT Common Side Effects
Common side effects of SYMBICORT:
- Asthma
- Common cold (sore throat, headache, cough)
- Headache
- Upper respiratory tract infection (sneezing, throat pain)
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
COPD
- Common cold
- Thrush (yeast infection in your mouth or throat)
- Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways)
SYMBICORT Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with SYMBICORT. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: swelling, rash, trouble breathing
- Overdose: chest pain, fast heart rate, dizziness, headache, tremor, muscle cramps, nausea, tiredness, trouble sleeping
- Sudden breathing problems: sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on SYMBICORT
The following medications may interact with SYMBICORT:
- Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): Use with caution. May cause increased systemic corticosteroid effects
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants: Use with extreme caution. May potentiate effect of formoterol on vascular system.
- Beta-blockers: Use with caution. May block bronchodilatory effects of beta-agonists and produce severe bronchospasm
- Diuretics: Use with caution. Electrocardiographic changes and/or hypokalemia associated with nonpotassium-sparing diuretics may worsen with concomitant beta-agonists
Who makes SYMBICORT?
AstraZeneca
Is SYMBICORT safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if SYMBICORT can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while taking SYMBICORT. You and your healthcare provider will decide if you should take SYMBICORT while you are pregnant.
What to do if you missed your SYMBICORT dose
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Drug Savings Tips
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my SYMBICORT prescription?
How do the NowPatient SYMBICORT savings programs work?
Are the NowPatient SYMBICORT savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of SYMBICORT?
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the SYMBICORT savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the SYMBICORT prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the SYMBICORT prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the SYMBICORT prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
