Symbicort 320/9 Mcg Turbuhaler

SYMBICORT 320/9 MCG TURBUHALER

SYMBICORT 320/9 MCG TURBUHALER is a prescription inhalation medicine manufactured by AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited, used for the maintenance treatment of certain respiratory conditions.

• Name: Symbicort Turbuhaler 320/9 mcg (Brand Name)

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredients: Each delivered dose contains Budesonide 320 micrograms and Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate 9 micrograms.
  • Inactive Ingredients: Lactose monohydrate (491 micrograms per delivered dose), which contains milk proteins.

• Uses: SYMBICORT 320/9 MCG TURBUHALER is indicated for the regular maintenance treatment of asthma and for the symptomatic treatment of severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

  • Asthma: It is used when a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-agonist is appropriate, particularly for patients not adequately controlled on inhaled corticosteroids and "as needed" short-acting beta2-agonists, or for those already adequately controlled on both. It helps prevent and relieve symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness.
  • COPD: It is used for symptomatic treatment in adults with severe COPD who have a history of repeated exacerbations despite regular therapy with long-acting bronchodilators. It aids in relaxing and widening the airways, easing breathing.

• Dosage and Administration: The dosage is individualized and should be adjusted to the severity of the disease.

  • Asthma:
    • Adults (18 years and older): Typically 1 inhalation twice daily. Some patients may require up to a maximum of 2 inhalations twice daily.
    • Adolescents (12-17 years): 1 inhalation twice daily.
  • COPD:
    • Adults (18 years and older): Typically 1 inhalation twice daily.
  • Patients should be instructed to rinse their mouth with water after inhaling the maintenance dose to minimize the risk of oropharyngeal thrush (fungal infection in the mouth). It is not for acute asthma attacks.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Headache
  • Throat irritation, sore throat, or hoarseness of voice
  • Cough
  • Fungal infection of the mouth/oropharynx (thrush)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Palpitations and tremor Serious, but less common, side effects include adrenal suppression, increased risk of pneumonia, worsening of certain infections, fast heart rate, effects on growth, and lower bone density, as well as eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma.

• Precautions:

  • Not intended for the initial management of asthma or for acute asthma attacks. A rescue inhaler should always be available.
  • Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders (e.g., coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension), diabetes, liver disease, seizure disorders, osteoporosis, an overactive thyroid gland, or low blood potassium levels.
  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is limited information on its effects during human pregnancy, and it may pass into breast milk.
  • Avoid concomitant use with beta-adrenergic blockers (including eye drops) unless absolutely necessary, as they can weaken the effect of formoterol.
  • Caution is advised when used with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants due to potential drug interactions.
  • SYMBICORT 320/9 MCG TURBUHALER is not recommended for children younger than 12 years for asthma or younger than 18 years for COPD due to limited data.

• Storage: Do not store above 30°C. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture. Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight and keep out of sight and reach of children.

1. What is Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler used for?

Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler is used for the regular treatment and maintenance of asthma in adults and adolescents aged 12-17 years. It is also used to manage the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in adults 18 years and older, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It helps to relieve symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

2. How does Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler work?

Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler contains two active ingredients: Budesonide and Formoterol. Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways. Formoterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist that relaxes the muscles around the airways, widening the air passages and making it easier to breathe. Together, they work to improve lung function and prevent asthma and COPD exacerbations.

3. What is the usual dosage for Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler?

For adults (18 years and older) with asthma or COPD, the usual recommended dose is one inhalation twice daily. Some asthma patients may require up to a maximum of two inhalations twice daily, or temporarily during worsening asthma. Adolescents (12-17 years) with asthma typically take one inhalation twice daily, which may also be temporarily increased to a maximum of two inhalations twice daily during worsening asthma. The dosage should be individualized and adjusted by a doctor based on the severity of the disease. It is important to take the maintenance dose as prescribed, even when asymptomatic.

4. What are the possible side effects of Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler?

Common side effects can include headache, throat irritation, nasal congestion, cough, hoarseness of voice, and fungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush). Other reported side effects include tremor, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and muscle pain. Rinsing your mouth with water after each use can help minimize the risk of oral thrush. Serious but rare side effects can include paradoxical bronchospasm (immediate increase in wheezing after dosing) and systemic effects from corticosteroids at high doses for long periods, such as adrenal suppression, decreased bone mineral density, cataracts, and glaucoma.

5. Is Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler is generally considered safe if prescribed by a doctor, as animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby. However, it should only be used if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs any possible risk to the fetus, especially during the first three months and shortly before delivery.

For breastfeeding mothers, Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler is probably safe if prescribed. While it is unknown if formoterol passes into human breast milk, budesonide passes into breast milk but at therapeutic doses, no effects on the nursing child are anticipated. Administration should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the child. Always consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

6. Can Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler be taken with other medications?

Yes, but caution is advised with certain medications. Beta-blockers (including eye drops) can weaken or inhibit the effect of formoterol and may cause severe bronchospasm in asthma patients. Potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 (an enzyme that metabolizes budesonide), such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir, voriconazole, posaconazole, clarithromycin, telithromycin, nefazodone, and HIV protease inhibitors, may significantly increase budesonide plasma levels, increasing the risk of systemic corticosteroid side effects.

Concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, steroids, and diuretics can potentiate a possible hypokalaemic (low potassium) effect of beta-2-agonists. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants can exacerbate the cardiovascular effects of formoterol. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

7. What precautions should be taken when using Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler?

Do not use Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler to treat sudden, acute asthma attacks; a rescue inhaler should be used for this purpose. It's crucial to use the correct inhaler technique to ensure the medication works effectively. Patients should rinse their mouth with water after each dose to reduce the risk of oral fungal infections.

Inform your doctor if you have heart problems (e.g., high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat), diabetes, liver problems, seizures, an overactive thyroid gland, osteoporosis, glaucoma, cataracts, or infections (viral, bacterial, fungal). Sudden worsening of asthma or COPD symptoms, or frequent nighttime awakenings due to asthma, requires immediate medical attention as it may indicate inadequate control. Do not stop using the medicine or adjust the dose without consulting your doctor.

8. What happens if a dose is missed?

If a maintenance dose of Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler is missed, 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 missed one. It's important to try to use Symbicort every 12 hours.

9. How should Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler be stored?

Symbicort 320/9 mcg Turbuhaler should be stored below 30°C (86°F) in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep the container tightly closed to protect it from moisture. Always keep it out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date.