Can you use symbicort as a rescue inhaler?

How to use your Symbicort Inhaler

Symbicort combines budesonide (ICS) and formoterol (LABA) for maintenance treatment of asthma (≥ 6 years) and COPD. It is not a rescue inhaler.

Prime your inhaler

• First use or after ≥ 7 days unused:
• Shake well for 5 seconds, remove mouthpiece cover.
• Spray once away from you, shake again, spray a second time.

Using your inhaler

1. Shake 5 seconds, remove cover, verify mouthpiece is clear and dose counter > 0.
2. Exhale fully, place mouthpiece in mouth with lips sealed.
3. Inhale slowly & deeply while pressing canister once.
4. Hold breath for ~ 10 seconds, then exhale.
5. If a second puff is prescribed, wait 30 seconds, then repeat steps 2–4.
6. Replace cover and rinse mouth (do not swallow water) to reduce thrush risk.

Cleaning

• Every 7 days: remove cover, wipe inside/outside of mouthpiece with a dry cloth.
• Do not wash or disassemble the inhaler.

When to discard

Discard when the dose counter reaches zero or 3 months after opening the foil pouch, whichever comes first.

What is Symbicort used for?

• Asthma maintenance in adults & children ≥ 6 years
• COPD maintenance in adults

Common side effects

• Headache
• Common cold symptoms, sinus pain/swelling
• Sore throat, upper respiratory infection
• Back pain, oral thrush

Serious side effects (seek medical help)

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, facial/mouth swelling, breathing problems)
• Sudden breathing difficulties
• Reduced bone density, poor growth in children
• Heart issues (chest pain, rapid heart rate, high BP)
• High blood sugar (thirst, urination, dry mouth, fruity breath)
• Low potassium (cramps, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat)
• Eye problems (worsening glaucoma/cataracts)
• Hormonal imbalance signs (fatigue, light-headedness, nausea, vomiting)

Strengths & dosing

• 80 mcg budesonide / 4.5 mcg formoterol – 120 doses
• 160 mcg budesonide / 4.5 mcg formoterol – 120 doses

Typical dose: 2 inhalations twice daily (~ 12 hours apart).

Onset & full effect

• Symptom relief in ~ 15 minutes
• Full benefit after ≥ 2 weeks of regular use
• Always keep a rescue (albuterol) inhaler available

Source

• Symbicort [package insert]. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. Accessed Mar 3, 2025.