Symbicort is made by AstraZeneca.
Symbicort contains two different medications:
budesonide and
formoterol. Formoterol is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles around airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs.
The other component of Symbicort is budesonide, an
asthma medication that belongs to a group of drugs called inhaled corticosteroids, or steroids for short. Inhaled steroids go directly into the lungs and help to decrease the inflammation of airways that makes
asthma attacks more likely.
Because Symbicort does not work quickly, it should not be used for treating an asthma attack. Rather, it is used twice a day in order to prevent them.
In clinical studies on
asthma, Symbicort was shown to improve breathing more than either of the two active ingredients (
budesonide and formoterol) used alone. People taking Symbicort had greater improvements in lung function and needed to use their rescue inhalers less often, compared to those taking just
budesonide, just
formoterol, or no medication at all.
When and How to Take Symbicort
General considerations for when and how to use the medication include the following:
- Symbicort comes in a metered-dose inhaler (called an "MDI").
- The medication is inhaled into the lungs, usually twice daily, with about 12 hours between doses.
- You should "test spray" each Symbicort inhaler before your first use of it, or if you have not used it for more than a week. To test-spray the inhaler, shake the inhaler, and then spray it into the air twice by pressing on the top of the canister.
- Shake your asthma inhaler gently before each use.
- Wait at least one minute in between inhalations.
- Rinse out your mouth (without swallowing) after each dose in order to prevent thrush.
- It is important to learn exactly how to use your inhaler. It may be difficult at first and may require practice.
- The spray should be inhaled into the lungs, not sprayed onto the back of the throat and swallowed. To accomplish this, you will need to breathe in while spraying the inhaler.
- Most people put the mouthpiece of the inhaler directly into their mouths. However, many healthcare professionals now recommend placing the inhaler an inch or two away from the mouth. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way for you to use the inhaler.
- Each inhaler contains 120 sprays. Try to keep track of approximately how many sprays you have used in order to know when to replace the inhaler. Do not place the inhaler in water to see if it is empty (although this was recommended in the past).
- For Symbicort to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medicine will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage of Symbicort that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- The severity of your breathing problems
- Other medications (including COPD or asthma medications) you may be taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Symbicort. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Symbicort include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Thrush
- Sore throat and irritated or runny nose
- Upper respiratory tract infection (such as the common cold)
- Throat pain.
(Click Symbicort Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Symbicort
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Symbicort if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Symbicort may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Runny nose
- Vomiting
- Increased salivation.
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Heart palpitations (feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart)
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Nervousness
- Muscle cramps
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia or fatigue
- Seizures
- Low blood potassium (hypokalemia)
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Cardiac arrest
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose on Symbicort, seek immediate medical attention.
Symbicort should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Once a
Symbicort inhaler is removed from its packaging, it must be discarded after three months, even if it is not empty.
Keep Symbicort and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Symbicort?
If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
The Symbicort inhaler is available in two strengths:
