Symbicort 320/9 Tab

SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler

SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler is a medication delivered via an inhaler, commonly prescribed for respiratory conditions. It is a combination product designed for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Name:

  • Brand Names: SYMBICORT Turbuhaler, SYMBICORT Forte Turbuhaler
  • Common Name: Budesonide/Formoterol fumarate dihydrate

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredients: Each delivered dose contains 320 micrograms of budesonide and 9 micrograms of formoterol fumarate dihydrate.
  • Excipient: Lactose monohydrate, which may contain small amounts of milk proteins.

• Uses: SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler is indicated for the regular treatment of asthma and for the symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe COPD.

  • Asthma: It is used in adults and adolescents (12 years and older) where a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-agonist is appropriate for preventing symptoms and reducing exacerbations. It helps relieve symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
  • COPD: It is used for the regular treatment of patients with moderate to severe COPD, particularly those with persistent symptoms and a history of exacerbations. It helps improve airflow and ease breathing.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Asthma (Adults 18 years and older): Typically 1 inhalation twice daily. Some patients may require up to 2 inhalations twice daily.
  • Asthma (Adolescents 12-17 years): Typically 1 inhalation twice daily.
  • COPD (Adults): Usually 1 inhalation twice daily.
  • Administration: SYMBICORT is administered via a Turbuhaler, a dry powder inhaler. Patients should be instructed on proper inhalation technique and to rinse their mouth with water after each use to minimize the risk of oral fungal infections. The medication should be used regularly as prescribed, even when asymptomatic.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Tremor, palpitations, headache, sore throat, cough, hoarseness of voice, fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush), nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and back pain. These are often mild and may disappear within a few days of treatment.
  • Serious Side Effects: Paradoxical bronchospasm, systemic corticosteroid effects (e.g., adrenal suppression, decreased bone mineral density, growth retardation in children, cataracts, glaucoma), increased heart rate, hypokalaemia (low blood potassium levels), and increased blood glucose levels.

• Precautions:

  • SYMBICORT is not intended for the initial management of asthma or for treating acute exacerbations; a separate "reliever inhaler" should be used for sudden symptoms.
  • Patients should not discontinue the medicine abruptly.
  • Caution is advised in patients with cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, untreated hypokalaemia, thyrotoxicosis, liver problems, or seizure disorders.
  • It may interact with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole) and beta-adrenergic blockers.
  • Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids can lead to decreased bone density.
  • The safety and efficacy in children under 12 years for asthma and under 18 years for COPD have not been fully established for this strength.

• Storage:

  • Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat.
  • Keep the container tightly closed and away from children and pets.

SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler is a combination medicine containing budesonide and formoterol, used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is an inhalation powder delivered via a Turbuhaler device.

What is SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler used for?

SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler is prescribed for the regular maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 12 years and older, and for the long-term management of symptoms in adults (18 years and older) with moderate to severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It helps prevent and treat symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. SYMBICORT is not intended for the initial management of asthma or for treating acute asthma attacks; a separate rescue inhaler should be used for sudden breathing problems.

How does SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler work?

SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler combines two active ingredients: budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways. Formoterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) that relaxes and widens the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. These two components work together to improve lung function and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma and COPD exacerbations.

What is the usual dosage of SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler?

For adults (18 years and older) and adolescents (12-17 years) with asthma, the recommended dosage is typically one inhalation twice daily. Some patients may require up to a maximum of two inhalations twice daily. For adults with COPD, the recommended dose is one inhalation twice daily. Your doctor will determine the optimal dose based on your condition and response to treatment, aiming for the lowest effective dose.

What are the possible side effects of SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler?

Common side effects can include headache, hoarseness of voice, sore throat, cough, upper respiratory tract infection, back pain, fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush), tremors, and palpitations (increased heartbeat). Less common but serious side effects can include pneumonia, low blood potassium levels, high blood sugar, reduced bone mineral density, adrenal gland suppression, and eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts. Rinsing your mouth with water after each use can help prevent oral thrush.

Is SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks. The lowest effective dose of budesonide needed to control asthma should be used. Budesonide is excreted in breast milk, but at therapeutic doses, no adverse effects on the nursing child are anticipated. It is not known whether formoterol passes into human breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler be taken with other medications?

SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler can interact with certain medications. It should be used with caution, or avoided, if you are taking beta-blockers (including eye drops), strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., itraconazole, ritonavir), diuretics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or tricyclic antidepressants. Concurrent use with other corticosteroids may increase the risk of systemic side effects. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to prevent potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler?

SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems or acute asthma attacks. Always have a rescue inhaler available. Inform your doctor if you have underlying conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, liver disease, osteoporosis, or infections, as these may require careful monitoring or dose adjustments. Do not stop using the medicine abruptly, as this can worsen your symptoms.

What happens if a dose of SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

How should SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler be stored?

Store SYMBICORT 320/9 Turbuhaler at room temperature, generally below 30°C (or between 20°C to 25°C), in a cool, dry place. Keep it protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. The contents of the Turbuhaler canister are under pressure, so do not puncture or throw it into a fire or incinerator. Keep the medicine out of sight and reach of children.