Foracort 6 Mcg/200 Mcg Synchrobreathe

FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE

FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE is a combination inhalation therapy manufactured by Cipla Ltd., designed for the long-term management of respiratory conditions.

• Name

  • Brand Name: FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE
  • Common Name: Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate and Budesonide Inhaler

• Composition Each actuation of FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE delivers:

  • Formoterol fumarate dihydrate: 6 mcg
  • Budesonide: 200 mcg

• Uses This medicine is prescribed for the regular treatment and management of:

  • Asthma, particularly when a combination of a long-acting beta2-agonist and an inhaled corticosteroid is deemed appropriate.
  • Moderate to severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in patients experiencing frequent symptoms and a history of exacerbations. It helps to relieve symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing by reducing inflammation and relaxing the airway muscles. It is not intended for the relief of sudden asthma attacks and a separate rescue inhaler should be used for acute symptoms.

• Dosage and Administration FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE is for inhalation use only.

  • Always shake the inhaler well before use.
  • After each use, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out to help prevent oral fungal infections.
  • Dosage is individualized and should be adjusted based on disease severity. Two main treatment approaches exist:
    • Maintenance Therapy: Taken as regular maintenance treatment, with a separate rapid-acting bronchodilator for rescue.
    • Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy: Taken as regular maintenance and as needed in response to symptoms.
  • Recommended Maintenance Dosage (Adults 18+): 1-2 inhalations twice daily (morning and evening), or two inhalations once daily (morning or evening). Some patients may require two inhalations twice daily.
  • For Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy: 2 inhalations per day as maintenance, plus 1 additional inhalation as needed for symptoms. If symptoms persist after a few minutes, an additional inhalation can be taken. Do not exceed 6 inhalations on any single occasion. A total daily dose of more than 8 inhalations is usually not needed, but up to 12 inhalations may be used for a limited period. Seek medical advice if using more than 8 inhalations daily.
  • This approach is not recommended for children and adolescents.
  • Children (above 6 years): For regular treatment of asthma and moderate to severe COPD, the usual recommended dose is 1-2 inhalations twice daily.

• Side Effects

  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach discomfort, cough, hoarseness of voice, sore throat, respiratory tract infection (e.g., nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection), oral fungal infection (oral thrush), dizziness, dry mouth, tremors, palpitations, increased heart rate, muscle pain, difficulty sleeping, increased blood sugar levels, decreased potassium levels, back pain, and flu-like symptoms.
  • Serious Side Effects (rare but possible): Paradoxical bronchospasm (an immediate worsening of wheezing after dosing), severe dizziness, skin rash, itching/swelling, pneumonia, decreased bone mineral density, and glaucoma. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

• Precautions

  • FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE is not for the relief of acute asthma attacks or status asthmaticus; a separate rapid-acting bronchodilator should always be available for rescue use.
  • Do not stop treatment abruptly, as this may worsen breathing problems.
  • Inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to Budesonide, Formoterol Fumarate, or any other components of the inhaler.
  • Use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, only if recommended by a doctor after a thorough assessment of benefits and risks.
  • Before starting treatment, inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, including liver or kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases (such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or irregular heart rhythm), diabetes, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypokalemia (low potassium levels), seizure disorders, osteoporosis, immune system diseases, eye problems, or tuberculosis.
  • Avoid exposure to environmental triggers like house dust, pollen, pets, and cigarette smoke.
  • Potential drug interactions can occur with antifungals, medicines for mood disorders (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors), diuretics, cardiac glycosides (e.g., Digitalis), blood pressure-lowering medications, medicines for certain eye conditions, L-Dopa, L-thyroxine, Procarbazine, and some anesthetic agents.
  • Regular monitoring of growth is recommended for children receiving prolonged treatment with inhaled corticosteroids.
  • This medicine may decrease the immune response, increasing the risk of infections.
  • Paradoxical bronchospasm is a serious, potentially life-threatening side effect. If it occurs, discontinue the inhaler immediately and seek urgent medical help.

• Storage

  • Store in a cool, dark, and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat, ideally below 30°C.
  • Do not freeze.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.
  • Discard any unused medicine properly, and do not flush it down the toilet or throw it into the drain.
  • Do not puncture or incinerate the canister.

FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE by CIPLA LTD. is an inhaler that combines two active ingredients: formoterol fumarate (a long-acting beta2-agonist) and budesonide (a corticosteroid). This medication is used for the regular treatment of asthma and the symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Here are some frequently asked questions about FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE:

What is FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE used for?

FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE is prescribed for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults and children over 6 years of age. It helps to relieve symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing by improving airflow to the lungs. It is not intended for acute asthma attacks or sudden worsening of COPD symptoms; a separate rapid-acting bronchodilator should be used for rescue.

How does FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE work?

This inhaler contains two active ingredients: Budesonide and Formoterol. Budesonide is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, swelling, and mucus production in the airways. Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles around the airways, widening them and making breathing easier. Together, they work to control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and improve lung function.

What is the usual dosage for FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE?

For adults (18 years and above) with FORACORT 200 Synchrobreathe, the recommended maintenance dosage is typically 1-2 inhalations, twice daily. In some cases, it can be used as a single maintenance and reliever therapy, where adults take 2 inhalations per day as maintenance and additional inhalations as needed for symptoms, but not exceeding 8 inhalations a day. For children (12-17 years), the maintenance dose is 1-2 inhalations, twice daily. For children aged 6-11, 1 puff twice a day of the 100 mcg budesonide + 6 mcg formoterol strength is usually advised. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding dosage.

What are the possible side effects of FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE?

Common side effects can include palpitations, headache, tremors, throat irritation, coughing, hoarseness, and oral thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth). Rinsing your mouth with water after each use can help reduce the risk of oral thrush. Other reported side effects may include nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, sinus inflammation, and back pain. If any side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Is FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The use of FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE during pregnancy is generally advised with caution. While some sources suggest it is generally considered safe if prescribed, others indicate limited information or that it is not recommended unless clearly necessary. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, discuss this with your doctor. For breastfeeding, budesonide, one of the active ingredients, can pass into breast milk. Caution is advised, and you should consult your doctor to determine if it is safe to continue this medication while breastfeeding.

Can FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE be taken with other medications?

FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE can interact with certain medications. Potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors like ritonavir) can significantly increase budesonide levels and should generally be avoided. Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, atenolol) may lessen the effect of formoterol. Heart rhythm medicines (e.g., quinidine, disopyramide) and certain antidepressants or antihistamines could prolong the QTc-interval, increasing the risk of irregular heart rhythms. It should also be administered with caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

What precautions should be taken when using FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE?

Do not use this inhaler for sudden breathing difficulties; always have a separate rescue inhaler available. Do not abruptly stop using the medicine, as this can worsen your condition; dosage should be tapered under medical supervision. Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each dose to prevent oral thrush. Exercise caution if you have cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis), or low blood potassium levels. Inform your doctor if you have any existing infections (tuberculosis, fungal, viral, parasitic), liver problems, osteoporosis, or eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts.

What happens if a dose 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 missed one.

How should FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE be stored?

Store your FORACORT 6 MCG/200 MCG SYNCHROBREATHE inhaler between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Keep it in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Avoid freezing the inhaler. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.