Symbicort is a prescription inhaler medication used to manage certain long-term respiratory conditions. It is designed for regular, daily use to help control symptoms and improve breathing over time. This medication is not intended for sudden breathing difficulties.
Conditions Symbicort Treats
Symbicort is approved for the long-term management of asthma in adults and children aged 6 years and older. For asthma, it is prescribed when symptoms are not adequately controlled with an inhaled corticosteroid alone, or when treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) is appropriate. Symbicort also provides maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. COPD includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and Symbicort helps to improve airflow and reduce flare-ups.
How Symbicort Works
Symbicort contains two active medicines: budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid, which functions by reducing inflammation and swelling within the airways of the lungs. Formoterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) that works by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding the airways. This relaxation helps to keep the airways open, preventing symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. The combination of these two components provides both anti-inflammatory effects and bronchodilation, which collectively helps to improve lung function and control symptoms in individuals with respiratory conditions.
Using Symbicort Correctly
Symbicort is intended for daily, regularly scheduled use as prescribed by a healthcare provider. To use the inhaler, it should be shaken well before each use. After exhaling fully, the mouthpiece is placed in the mouth with lips sealed around it, and the user inhales slowly and deeply while pressing down on the canister.
The breath should be held for approximately 10 seconds, or as long as comfortable, before exhaling. After completing the prescribed puffs, it is important to rinse the mouth with water and spit it out, without swallowing, to help prevent oral thrush. Adhering to the doctor’s specific instructions and not adjusting the dosage without medical advice is important for effective treatment.
Important Safety Information
Common side effects associated with Symbicort can include headache, throat pain or irritation, and upper respiratory tract infections. Oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth or throat, is also a reported side effect, which can often be mitigated by rinsing the mouth after use. Serious side effects, while less common, can occur and include an increased risk of pneumonia in COPD patients, adrenal insufficiency, and paradoxical bronchospasm, where breathing worsens immediately after use. Other serious concerns include potential effects on bone mineral density and heart-related issues such as increased heart rate or blood pressure.
Informing your doctor about all medications you are taking is important, as Symbicort can interact with certain drugs, including some antidepressants, beta-blockers, and certain antibiotics or antifungals. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. Symbicort should be stored at room temperature, and the inhaler should be discarded when the dose counter reaches zero or after three months, whichever comes first.