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What does symbicort inhaler do?

Symbicort combines budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid – ICS) and formoterol (a long‑acting beta₂‑agonist – LABA) to:

  • Reduce airway inflammation (budesonide)
  • Relax bronchial smooth muscle to open airways (formoterol)

Approved uses

  • Asthma maintenance in patients ≥ 6 years who need both ICS and LABA
  • COPD maintenance to improve lung function & reduce exacerbations

Not for relief of acute bronchospasm (not a rescue inhaler).

Why combined ICS + LABA?

Formoterol alone may increase asthma-related risks; combining with budesonide mitigates those risks without loss of LABA benefit.

Common side effects

  • Common cold symptoms
  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Sore throat, sinus pain/swelling
  • Back pain
  • Oral thrush

Serious side effects (seek immediate help)

  • Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, facial/mouth swelling, breathing difficulty)
  • Paradoxical bronchospasm (worsening shortness of breath)
  • Osteoporosis or poor growth in children
  • Cardiac issues (chest pain, tachycardia, hypertension)
  • Hyperglycemia (thirst, urination, dry mouth, fruity breath)
  • Hypokalemia (muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, weakness)
  • Worsening glaucoma or cataracts
  • Adrenal insufficiency on ICS withdrawal
  • Increased infection risk (chickenpox, measles, TB)

Drug interactions

  • Other LABAs (salmeterol, vilanterol, etc.)
  • MAOIs or TCAs (within 2 weeks)
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole)
  • Non‑selective beta‑blockers
  • Certain diuretics (amiloride, bumetanide, HCTZ)

Precautions

Inform your provider if you have heart disease, hypertension, seizures, immune compromise, liver disease, osteoporosis, eye disorders, diabetes, TB exposure, thyroid/electrolyte issues, or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding.

Storage

Store upright at room temperature, mouthpiece down, away from heat/flame. Discard when counter reads 0 or 3 months after opening.

Dosing

  • Asthma (≥ 12 years): 2 inhalations of 80/4.5 mcg or 160/4.5 mcg twice daily
  • Asthma (6–11 years): 2 inhalations of 80/4.5 mcg twice daily
  • COPD (adults): 2 inhalations of 160/4.5 mcg twice daily

Always carry a rescue (e.g., albuterol) inhaler for acute symptoms.

Source

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