Indications
Symbicort Inhaler (active ingredients: budesonide/formoterol) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Asthma: Symbicort is used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients aged 6 years and older. It is indicated for the control of asthma symptoms and prevention of asthma attacks.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Symbicort is also indicated for the long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, who are experiencing symptoms.
Symbicort belongs to a class of drugs known as combination long-acting beta agonist (LABA) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) medications.
Uses and Dosage
How to Use a Symbicort Inhaler
Using a Symbicort inhaler correctly is crucial for managing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a Symbicort inhaler:
Preparation:
- Check the Inhaler: Before using the inhaler for the first time, or if you haven’t used it for more than 7 days, or if it has been dropped, you need to prime it. To prime the inhaler, shake it well for 5 seconds and release a test spray away from your face. Repeat this process a total of 2 times.
- Inspect the Inhaler: Ensure the mouthpiece is clean and free of any debris or obstructions.
2. Shake the Inhaler:
- Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds before each use.
3. Exhale Completely:
- Breathe out fully through your mouth to empty your lungs, but do not breathe out into the inhaler.
4. Position the Inhaler:
- Hold the inhaler in the upright position with the mouthpiece at the bottom.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it to create a tight seal. Keep your tongue away from the mouthpiece opening.
5. Inhale and Administer the Dose:
- Start breathing in slowly and deeply through your mouth.
- While breathing in, press down on the top of the canister to release a dose of medication. Continue to inhale steadily and deeply until your lungs are full.
6. Hold Your Breath:
- After inhaling the medication, remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for as long as is comfortable, ideally up to 10 seconds. This allows the medication to reach deep into your lungs.
7. Exhale Slowly:
- Breathe out gently and slowly through your mouth or nose.
8. Repeat if Necessary:
- If your prescribed dose requires more than one puff, wait about 30 seconds to 1 minute before repeating steps 2 to 7 for the second puff.
9. Rinse Your Mouth:
- After using the inhaler, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. This helps to reduce the risk of developing oral thrush, a potential side effect of inhaled corticosteroids.
10. Cleaning the Inhaler:
- Clean the mouthpiece of the inhaler at least once a week with a dry cloth. Do not wash any part of the inhaler or put it in water.
Dosage
For asthma maintenance, Budesonide-formoterol 100/6 mcg and 200/6 mcg can be taken orally 1 to 2 times per day. The dose can be temporarily increased to up to 4 inhalations twice daily. For asthma maintenance and reliever therapy, Budesonide-formoterol can be taken orally 1 to 2 times per day, or 2 times per day for one inhalation. An additional inhalation can be used as needed in response to symptoms, but no more than 6 inhalations should be taken at any one time.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Symbicort Inhaler (Budesonide/Formoterol):
- Back pain
- Headache
- Bronchitis
- Cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sinus pain, sore throat
- Flu symptoms
- Mild allergic reaction
- Mild oral thrush (a yeast infection in your mouth)
- Nasal congestion
- Stomach discomfort
- Vomiting
- Throat pain or irritation
- Upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold or sinusitis
- White patches in your mouth or throat
Serious Side Effects of Symbicort Inhaler (Budesonide/Formoterol):
- Blurred and tunnel vision
- Constipation
- Cough with mucus
- Dry mouth
- Eye pain or redness
- Feeling light-headed
- Feeling short of breath
- Flu symptoms - fever, chills, body aches, unusual tiredness
- Fluttering in your chest
- Fruity breath odor
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Irregular heartbeats
- Leg cramps
- Muscle weakness or limp feeling
- Numbness or tingling
- Seeing halos around lights
- Tiredness or weakness
Form and strength
Symbicort Inhaler (Budesonide/Formoterol) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Symbicort Inhaler: Aerosol Inhaler
- 100/6 mcg
- 200/6 mcg
Budesonide/Formoterol: Aerosol Inhaler
- 100/6 mcg
- 200/6 mcg
- 400/6 mcg
Caution
- Symbicort inhaler should not be relied upon as a rescue medication or as a replacement for fast-acting inhalers to address sudden and acute symptoms.
- Symbicort inhalers should not be used during rapidly deteriorating episodes of asthma or COPD.
- Patients who are already receiving Symbicort inhalers should not use any additional formoterol or other LABA for any reason.
- Symbicort should not be initiated during rapidly deteriorating episodes of asthma or COPD.
- Symbicort may cause side effects such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and chest pain.
- If you have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications, you should talk to your doctor before using Symbicort to make sure it is safe for you to use.
- Symbicort may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which is a sudden and severe worsening of asthma symptoms. If this occurs, stop using Symbicort and seek medical attention immediately.
- Long-term use of high doses of inhaled corticosteroids like the budesonide in Symbicort may increase the risk of reduced bone density, cataracts, and glaucoma.
- People with certain medical conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, or thyroid problems should use caution when using Symbicort and discuss their medical history with their doctor.
- Symbicort may interact with some medications, so inform the doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements being used.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss using Symbicort with their doctor as it may have potential risks to the baby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I expect weight gain or weight loss with SYMBICORT?
SYMBICORT, like other similar medications, can cause weight gain as a side effect. However, weight loss is not a known side effect of SYMBICORT.
How long does it take for SYMBICORT to start working?
Some people may start to experience symptom relief within 15 minutes of taking SYMBICORT, but it can take up to 2 weeks for the medication to reach its full effect.
How often should I use SYMBICORT?
The recommended dose of SYMBICORT is usually twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Can SYMBICORT be used in children?
SYMBICORT is approved for use in children aged 6 years and older for the treatment of asthma. However, the dosage and frequency of use may vary depending on the child's age and medical history.
What should I do if I miss a dose of SYMBICORT?
If you miss a dose of SYMBICORT, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
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