Symbicort 160 Mcg Turbuhaler

SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER

SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER, manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited, is a combination inhaler designed for respiratory conditions.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: SYMBICORT TURBUHALER 160 mcg.
  • Common Name: Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate.

• Composition:

  • Each delivered dose contains 160 micrograms of Budesonide and 4.5 micrograms of Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate.
  • Non-medicinal ingredient: Lactose (may contain milk protein).

• Uses: SYMBICORT TURBUHALER is prescribed for the regular treatment of:

  • Asthma: In adults and adolescents (12 years and older) to control and prevent symptoms and reduce exacerbations.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): In adults (18 years and older) with moderate to severe COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, who experience persistent symptoms and a history of exacerbations. It can be used as both maintenance and reliever therapy, or solely for maintenance, as determined by a healthcare professional. It is not intended for the relief of sudden asthma or bronchospasm attacks.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Asthma (Adults and Adolescents ≥12 years): Typically, 1 or 2 inhalations once or twice daily for maintenance. For as-needed relief (SMART therapy), additional inhalations may be taken, generally not exceeding 6 inhalations on a single occasion or a total daily dose of 8 inhalations.
  • COPD (Adults ≥18 years): The usual recommended dose is 2 inhalations twice daily. The maximum daily dose is often 4 inhalations. Patients should be instructed to rinse their mouth with water after inhaling the maintenance dose to minimize the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush).

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Headache, throat irritation, oral thrush, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, stomach discomfort, vomiting, back pain, and flu-like symptoms.
  • Serious: Worsening breathing problems (paradoxical bronchospasm), severe allergic reactions (hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing), pneumonia, tremors, nervousness, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats, blurred vision, or eye pain (potentially indicating glaucoma or cataracts), and adrenal insufficiency.

• Precautions:

  • Not for acute relief of sudden breathing problems; a rescue inhaler should be used.
  • Do not abruptly discontinue SYMBICORT without medical advice, as it may worsen symptoms.
  • Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders (e.g., heart disease, hypertension), diabetes, liver problems, osteoporosis, glaucoma, cataracts, seizures, or thyroid disorders.
  • Budesonide, a corticosteroid, can suppress the immune system. Patients should avoid exposure to infectious diseases like measles or chickenpox.
  • Growth should be monitored regularly in children receiving prolonged corticosteroid treatment.
  • Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., itraconazole, ritonavir) should be avoided or managed with caution.
  • The lactose excipient contains small amounts of milk proteins which may cause allergic reactions.

• Storage: Store below 30°C. Keep the container tightly closed and in a dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Store with the mouthpiece facing down.

Frequently Asked Questions about SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER

What is SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER used for?

SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER is a combination inhaler used for the regular treatment of asthma in adults and children 12 years and older, and for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults 18 years and older. It helps to prevent and treat symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. It can also be used for rapid relief of asthma symptoms.

How does SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients: Budesonide and Formoterol. Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces and prevents inflammation (swelling) in the airways. Formoterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) that helps to rapidly relax and open the muscles in your airways, making it easier to breathe. The effect of Formoterol starts within 1-3 minutes and can last for up to 12 hours.

What is the usual dosage for SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER?

For adults (18 years and older), the recommended maintenance dose is typically one to two inhalations twice daily, or two inhalations once daily. Some patients may require up to a maximum of four inhalations twice daily. For adolescents (12-17 years), the recommended dose is usually one to two inhalations twice daily. SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER can also be used as needed for rapid relief of asthma symptoms, with one additional inhalation. If symptoms persist after a few minutes, another inhalation can be taken, but no more than 6 inhalations should be taken on any single occasion. A total daily dose of more than 8 inhalations is not normally needed, though up to 12 inhalations can be used temporarily. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your condition.

What are the possible side effects of SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER?

Common side effects can include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, throat irritation, cough, hoarse voice, nasal congestion, and fungal infections in the mouth and throat (oral thrush). Rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out after each use can help prevent oral thrush. More serious, but less common, side effects may include increased heart rate, tremors, increased blood pressure, pneumonia, immune system effects, adrenal insufficiency, decreased bone mineral density, and eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma.

Is SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, SYMBICORT should only be used if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks. Untreated or uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy can lead to complications. If you become pregnant while using this medicine, contact your doctor immediately but do not stop treatment. Budesonide is excreted in breast milk, but at therapeutic doses, no effects on a nursing child are anticipated. It is not known if formoterol passes into human breast milk. Administration to breastfeeding women should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the child.

Can SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER be taken with other medications?

SYMBICORT can interact with certain medications. It's important to tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescribed drugs, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Medications that may interact include beta-blockers (used for blood pressure or heart/eye problems), strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole and itraconazole (for fungal infections), ritonavir (for HIV/AIDS), diuretics ("water pills"), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and tricyclic antidepressants. Using Symbicort with other beta-adrenergic stimulants can also have cumulative effects.

What precautions should be taken when using SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER?

Do not use SYMBICORT for sudden, acute breathing problems; a fast-acting rescue inhaler should be used for these instances. Do not stop taking SYMBICORT suddenly, as this may worsen your condition. Inform your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, a weak immune system, liver disease, osteoporosis, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, a drug allergy, tuberculosis, or a thyroid disorder. Regular eye exams are recommended for long-term users. Rinse your mouth with water after each dose to help prevent oral thrush. SYMBICORT is not recommended for children under 12 for asthma or under 18 for COPD.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of SYMBICORT, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. It is important to try to use SYMBICORT consistently, ideally about 12 hours apart.

How should SYMBICORT 160 MCG TURBUHALER be stored?

Store SYMBICORT TURBUHALER in a cool and dry place, not above 30°C. Keep the container tightly closed to protect it from moisture. It should be kept out of sight and reach of children. Do not use expired or damaged medicine.