Symbicort 80 Inhaler

SYMBICORT 80 INHALER

SYMBICORT 80 INHALER, manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited, is a combination medication designed for the long-term management of respiratory conditions.

• Name

  • Brand Name: SYMBICORT 80 INHALER (also known as Symbicort Turbuhaler 80/4.5)
  • Common Name: Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate

• Composition Each delivered dose (from the mouthpiece) contains:

  • Budesonide: 80 micrograms
  • Formoterol fumarate dihydrate: 4.5 micrograms
  • Excipient: Lactose monohydrate (which may contain small amounts of milk proteins).

• Uses SYMBICORT 80 INHALER is prescribed for the regular treatment of asthma and as a maintenance treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in adults and children aged 6 years and older. It is indicated for patients whose conditions are not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone or whose disease severity warrants combination therapy. It helps relieve symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing by reducing airway inflammation and relaxing airway muscles. It is not intended for the relief of sudden or acute asthma attacks.

• Dosage and Administration

  • Adults and Adolescents (12 years and older): Typically, two inhalations twice daily, usually in the morning and evening.
  • Children (6 to 11 years): Two inhalations of the 80 mcg/4.5 mcg strength twice daily.
  • After each use, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to minimize the risk of oral thrush.
  • If using for the first time, or if not used for more than 7 days, prime the inhaler by shaking and releasing two test sprays.

• Side Effects

  • Common Side Effects: Throat irritation, upper respiratory tract infections, headache, nasal congestion, oral thrush (yeast infection in the mouth/throat), sinusitis, back pain, stomach discomfort, hoarseness, cough, and flu-like symptoms.
  • Serious Side Effects: Increased wheezing after use (paradoxical bronchospasm), pneumonia, severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, hives, swelling of face/mouth/tongue), cardiovascular effects (chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure), reduced bone mineral density, low blood potassium, high blood sugar, eye issues (glaucoma, cataracts), and slowed growth in children.

• Precautions

  • Not for acute asthma attacks; a separate rescue inhaler should always be available.
  • Avoid using with other long-acting beta2-agonists.
  • Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, thyroid problems, seizure disorders, osteoporosis, glaucoma, cataracts, or liver problems.
  • Inform your doctor about all medications, especially strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir), beta-blockers, diuretics, MAOIs, and tricyclic antidepressants, as interactions may occur.
  • Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to budesonide, formoterol, or lactose.

• Storage Store below 30°C. Keep the inhaler dry and protected from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler: Frequently Asked Questions

SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler, manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited, is a prescription medication used to manage certain respiratory conditions. It contains a combination of two active ingredients: budesonide and formoterol.

What is SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler used for?

SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler is primarily used for the regular treatment of asthma in patients aged 6 years and older. It is indicated when the use of both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-agonist is appropriate, such as when asthma is not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone, or when patients are already well-controlled on both types of medications. It is not intended for the relief of sudden breathing problems and should not be used as a rescue inhaler.

How does SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler work?

SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler contains two active components: budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces inflammation and irritation in the airways of the lungs. Formoterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) that helps relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe and increasing airflow to the lungs. These two medications work together to reduce symptoms and prevent asthma exacerbations.

What is the usual dosage for SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler?

For children aged 6 to 11 years with asthma, the typical dosage is two puffs of the 80 mcg/4.5 mcg strength twice a day. For patients 12 years and older, the starting dosage can be two inhalations of 80 mcg/4.5 mcg twice daily. It is administered as two inhalations in the morning and two in the evening, approximately 12 hours apart. The dosage should be adjusted to the severity of the disease and determined by a healthcare professional.

What are the possible side effects of SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler?

Common side effects can include throat irritation, headache, upper respiratory tract infection (such as the common cold or sinusitis), nasal congestion, back pain, stomach discomfort, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, and oral thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth or throat). Rinsing your mouth with water without swallowing after using the inhaler can help prevent oral thrush.

More serious side effects, though less common, can include pneumonia, weakened immune system, adrenal gland problems, increased wheezing right after use (paradoxical bronchospasm), severe allergic reactions, cardiovascular effects (like increased heart rate or blood pressure), decreased bone mineral density, and eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts with long-term use.

Is SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Special consideration should be given during the first three months and shortly before delivery. It is important to maintain good asthma control during pregnancy, and inhaled corticosteroids like budesonide are generally considered safe at low to moderate doses as very little enters the bloodstream.

For breastfeeding, it is generally considered acceptable to use budesonide inhalers as only tiny amounts may pass into breast milk, and it's unlikely to cause side effects in the baby. However, the administration of SYMBICORT to breastfeeding women should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the child. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler be taken with other medications?

SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler can interact with certain medications. It should be used with caution, or avoided, with strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir) as they can increase the systemic effects of budesonide. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants can enhance the cardiovascular effects of formoterol. Beta-blockers can reduce the effectiveness of formoterol and may cause severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Diuretics, steroids, and xanthine derivatives can increase the risk of low potassium levels (hypokalemia) when combined with SYMBICORT. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.

What precautions should be taken when using SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler?

Do not use SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler for sudden asthma attacks; a rescue inhaler should be used for acute symptoms. Do not use it more than twice a day, and never use another medicine that contains a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) concurrently with SYMBICORT. Inform your doctor if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, seizures, osteoporosis, eye problems (like glaucoma or cataracts), or liver problems. Also, avoid exposure to infections like chickenpox or measles, and tell your doctor immediately if you've been exposed.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How should SYMBICORT 80 Inhaler be stored?

The SYMBICORT inhaler should be stored at room temperature, ideally between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), and away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze it. Keep the inhaler in its foil pouch until ready to use. It may burst if exposed to temperatures over 120°F (49°C).