Symbicort

It is a combination inhaler that contains two active ingredients: budesonide and formoterol.

1. Budesonide: It is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. It helps prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms of COPD.
2. Formoterol: It is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator that helps relax the muscles in the airways, allowing them to open up and improve airflow. It provides relief from symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Symbicort is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks or exacerbations of COPD. For immediate relief of symptoms, you may need a separate short-acting bronchodilator inhaler.

How to use

To use Symbicort correctly, follow these general steps:

1. Prepare the inhaler: Remove the cap from the inhaler and shake it well. Check the dose counter (if applicable) to ensure that there is enough medication in the inhaler for your dose.
2. Exhale: Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler, to empty your lungs as much as possible.
3. Inhale the medication: Hold the inhaler upright with your thumb on the base and your index and middle fingers on the sides. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth, closing your lips around it to form a tight seal.
4. Start inhaling: Begin to breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth. At the same time, press down firmly on the top of the inhaler to release a dose of the medication.
5. Continue inhaling: Keep breathing in slowly until your lungs are full. This allows the medication to reach deep into your airways.
6. Hold your breath: Remove the inhaler from your mouth and close your mouth. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as you comfortably can. This allows the medication to be fully absorbed into your airways.
7. Exhale and repeat if necessary: Breathe out slowly and relax for a moment.
8. Rinse your mouth (if recommended): To reduce the risk of oral thrush or hoarseness, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using Symbicort. Do not swallow the water.
9. Clean and store the inhaler: Put the cap back on the inhaler after use to protect it from dust and debris. If necessary, wipe the mouthpiece with a clean, dry tissue or cloth. Store the inhaler in a dry place away from moisture and heat.

Dosage

Here are some general guidelines for the dosing of Symbicort:

Asthma:

• For adults and adolescents (12 years and older): The usual starting dose is 1 to 2 inhalations 80/4.5 or 160/4.5 twice daily. The maximum recommended dose is 2 inhalations 160/4.5 twice daily.
• For children (6 to 11 years): The usual starting dose is 2 inhalations 80/4.5 twice daily. The maximum recommended dose is 2 inhalations 80/4.5 twice daily.

COPD:

• The usual starting dose is 2 inhalations 160/4.5 twice daily. The maximum recommended dose is 2 inhalations 160/4.5 twice daily.

Side effects

Common side effects of Symbicort may include:

Respiratory-related side effects:

• Cough
• Throat irritation
• Hoarseness
• Dry mouth or throat
• Bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways)

Infections:

• Upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., colds, sinusitis)
• Thrush (oral yeast infection) or other fungal infections in the mouth and throat. Rinsing the mouth with water and spitting it out after using Symbicort may help reduce the risk of thrush.

Systemic side effects:

• Headache
• Tremors or shaking
• Nervousness or restlessness
• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate
• Muscle cramps

Adrenal suppression:

• Symbicort contains a corticosteroid (budesonide), which can suppress the function of the adrenal glands with prolonged use. This is more likely to occur at higher doses or with long-term use.

Allergic reactions:

• Rarely, Symbicort can cause allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction.

Storage

Here are some recommendations for storing Symbicort:

1. Store at room temperature: Keep medicine at a temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). Avoid exposing the medication to extreme temperatures or storing it in areas with high humidity.
2. Protect from moisture: Store Symbicort in its original packaging or container with the cap tightly closed. Protect it from excessive moisture, such as in the bathroom or near sinks. Moisture can degrade the medication and affect its performance.
3. Do not freeze: Do not freeze inhalers or store them in the refrigerator. Freezing can damage the inhaler and alter the effectiveness of the medication.
4. Keep away from heat sources: Avoid storing Symbicort near direct heat sources, such as radiators, stoves, or sunlight. Heat can affect the stability of the medication.
5. Avoid exposure to light: Protect Symbicort from prolonged exposure to light. Keep the inhaler in its original packaging or use a light-resistant storage case if available.
6. Check expiration date: Take note of the expiration date on the packaging or label. Do not use Symbicort beyond the expiration date, as it may no longer be effective or safe to use.

Overdose

In case of an overdose of Symbicort, it is important to seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center. Here is some general information on overdose:

Symptoms of overdose: Taking more than the recommended dose of Symbicort can lead to an excessive amount of medication in your body. Symptoms of an overdose may include:

• Shakiness or tremors
• Increased heart rate
• Chest pain
• Nervousness or restlessness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Sweating
• Difficulty breathing
• Changes in blood pressure

Emergency medical assistance: If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Missed Doses

If you miss a dose of Symbicort, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the 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 the missed one.

Here are some important points to keep in mind regarding missed doses of Symbicort:

1. Do not double up: Taking an extra dose of Symbicort to make up for a missed dose is not recommended. Doubling the dose can increase the risk of side effects and may disrupt the balance of your treatment.
2. Set reminders: If you find it challenging to remember your doses, consider setting reminders or alarms to help you stay on track. This can be especially helpful if you need to take Symbicort at specific times during the day.