Budesonide-Formoterol - Medication Detail

Medication Type:  Long Term Control, should be taken every day as prescribed. May also be used for Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART).  Learn more about SMART.

Generic Names:  Budesonide and formoterol

Brand Names:  Symbicort®

Description:  A combination inhaler used to treat long term asthma symptoms. It prevents irritation and swelling in the airways, causing muscles in the airways to relax and open over time for easier breathing. It can take two weeks to notice full effects.

Delivery

MDI (metered dose inhaler)

Spacer

Symbicort can be used with a spacer

Dosage

  • 2 inhalations twice daily (maximum 4 inhalations/day)
  • Doses should be 12 hours apart

Proper Use

  • See instructions for proper use
  • If you are using more than 1 type of inhaler, ask your doctor or pharmacist which one to use first

Symbicort 80/4.5, Symbicort 160/4.5: The inhaler must be prepared before first use, if not used for >7 days, or if the inhaler has been dropped. Shake well for 5 seconds before each spray. Prepare inhaler by releasing 2 test sprays into the air away from your face. Shake well for 5 seconds before each use. Rinse your mouth out with water and spit after use to reduce chance of mouth or throat infection.

  • When the dose counter reaches 20, it is time for a refill
  • Discard inhaler when the dose counter reaches “0” or within 3 months after removal from foil pouch (do not use the “float test” to determine amount remaining in canister)

For proper inhaler technique visit our inhaler page.

Missed Dose

  • If you miss a dose, skip that dose and go back to your normal schedule.
  • Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Precautions

  • Do NOT use this drug to treat an asthma attack
  • If you have been taking this drug for many weeks, talk with your doctor before stopping; you may want to slowly stop this drug
  • Avoid being near anyone with chickenpox or measles
  • Talk with your doctor if you have glaucoma or cataracts, high blood sugar (diabetes), a fast heartbeat, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, soft and brittle bones (osteoporosis), overactive thyroid, seizures, or if you are being treated for any type of infection
  • Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding

Common Interactions

This medication interacts with some other medications, including nonselective beta-blockers (levobunolol, nadolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol), citalopram, and others.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your medications and health problems so they can check for any interactions.

Possible Side Effects

Sore throat, headache, upset stomach, or stuffy or runny nose

Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if you notice any signs of infection (chills, fever, bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain)

Proper Storage

  • Store at room temperature
  • Protect from heat, light, and water
  • Do not store in a bathroom
  • Never wash the inhaler. Keep it dry
  • Throw away the inhaler if the dose counter has not reached “0” within 3 months after taking inhaler out of foil package
  • Keep HFA inhaler away from open flame
  • Do not puncture canister
  • Do not store in extreme temperatures, such as in a parked car
  • Do not use the “float test” to test if canister is empty
  • Use dose counter to check number of doses remaining in the inhaler