Good stuff!
October 14, 2024 by Constance F. (California, United States)
“This inhaler was at least as good as the much more expensive Symbicort, maybe better.”
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The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Also Known as Vannair
Prescription Required
SYMBICORT is an inhaler that contains a combination of two medications - budesonide, and formoterol. SYMBICORT is prescribed for the treatment of asthma in children over 6 years old and adults. It can also be prescribed as a maintenance medication for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Asthma and COPD are chronic conditions where a person has difficulty breathing either due to spasms of muscles in the lungs or obstruction of the airways. SYMBICORT helps to treat these conditions by relaxing the airways.
The usual dose of SYMBICORT is 2 inhalations twice daily.
The standard inhaler sizes are SYMBICORT 80/4.5 mg and SYMBICORT 160/4.5 mg. Your doctor will determine the correct starting dose based on symptom severity and condition being treated.
After inhalation, rinse your mouth with water and do not swallow it. SYMBICORT contains the steroid budesonide, which can increase the risk of thrush if not washed from the mouth.
The active ingredients in SYMBICORT are the medications budesonide and formoterol.
Budesonide
Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activities. Corticosteroids are signaling molecules that send messages between the cells of the body. Budesonide works by reducing inflammation, swelling, and spasms in the lungs.
Formoterol
Formoterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) that works quickly once inhaled. By activating beta-receptors on the surface of muscle cells in the lungs, formoterol causes these muscles to relax and increase breathing capacity.
| Fact Table |
|
| Formula |
C44H58N2O10 |
| License |
EU EMA, US FDA |
| Bioavailability |
49% |
| Legal status |
RX Only |
| Chemical Name |
Budesonide / Formoterol |
| Elimination half-life |
4.7 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) |
80/4.5mcg MDI (120 doses/inhaler), 160/4.5mcg MDI (120 doses/inhaler) |
| Pregnancy |
Consult a doctor |
| Brands |
Symbicort |
| Protein binding |
50% |
| PubChem CID |
56841116 |
| MedlinePlus |
- |
| ChEBI |
- |
| ATC code |
R03AK07 |
| DrugBank |
DB00983 |
| KEGG |
D09595 |
| Routes of administration |
Inhalation |
SYMBICORT is a maintenance medication and not a rescue inhaler. For episodes of acute bronchospasm, a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) inhaler like albuterol should be used.
Medications like SYMBICORT that contain formoterol or another LABA should be used with extreme caution in patients with asthma. In clinic trials, other LABAs have been shown to increase the risk of asthma-related death. Therefore, inhaler combinations that contain a LABA should be reserved for more extreme cases of asthma and used for as little time as possible.
Corticosteroids may increase the risk of infections like thrush and pneumonia.
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of cautions.
Common side effects of SYMBICORT inhaler include:
How do you use a Symbicort inhaler?
Read the full instructions in the patient information that comes with your prescription. Shake the inhaler well, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, inhale deeply, and hold your breath for about 10 seconds. Use it twice a day, morning and evening.
Is Symbicort a steroid inhaler?
Yes, Symbicort contains both an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA).
What are the side effects of taking Symbicort?
Common side effects include headache, trembling, and a sensation of heartbeat.
Is Symbicort inhaler good for cough?
Symbicort is primarily used for asthma and COPD management, not specifically for cough.
What to avoid when taking Symbicort?
Avoid using another medicine containing LABA while on Symbicort. Also, it won’t replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms.
How long does it take for Symbicort to start working?
It varies, but some improvement may be noticed within a few days.
When should you not use Symbicort?
If you have an allergic reaction to Symbicort or any of its ingredients. Consult your doctor if your asthma doesn’t improve or worsens.
When is the best time of day to take Symbicort?
Morning and evening, as prescribed.
How long can I stay on Symbicort?
Follow your doctor’s guidance; it can be long-term.
Should I take one or two puffs of Symbicort?
Follow your doctor’s recommendation. Most people take two puffs.
Does Symbicort affect sleep?
It generally doesn’t significantly affect sleep, but individual responses may vary. Excessive use of Symbicort may lead to insomnia or sleep disturbances.
