Description
Symbicort Inhaler Uses
Symbicort (generic name: budesonide & formoterol fumarate dihydrate) is an oral respiratory inhalation prescribed to treat asthma among patients 6 years of age and above. It is also indicated as maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction among patients with COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis & emphysema. Symbicort inhalers help control and prevent breathing symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
This is available in Symbicort Inhaler 100/6 mcg which delivers 80/4.5 mcg of active ingredients, 200/6 mcg which delivers 160/4.5 mcg of active ingredients, and 400/6 mcg which delivers 320/4.5 mcg of active ingredients.
How does Symbicort Inhaler work?
This oral inhalation has two actions. First, it inhibits the activities of multiple cell types and mediators that are involved in inflammation. Inflammation is integral in the pathogenesis of asthma and COPD. Second, it also converts adenosine triphosphate to cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and inhibits the release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity response.
How to use Symbicort Inhaler
You must read the patient information guide and use Symbicort inhaler exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Use Symbicort inhaler twice daily, in the morning and in the evening, 12 hours apart. Make a dosing schedule so you will not miss your doses. Do not increase/decrease your dosage or use Symbicort inhaler more frequently than prescribed.
Step-by-step Guide on using Symbicort Inhaler:
- Open the packaging of the inhaler and write the date you opened the inhaler on the box.
- See the counter at the top of the inhaler. You will see an arrow that points at the number of puffs left.
- Hold the inhalation device in an upright position. Then, open the mouthpiece and shake the device carefully for about 5 seconds.
- Hold this device away from you. Press the top of the counter to release a test spray. Shake and spray again. After this, your inhaler is primed.
- Exhale fully and deeply via your mouth.
- Put the inhaler inside the mouth in an upright position and seal your lips on the mouthpiece.
- Inhale fully and thoroughly through your mouth while you push the button fully to administer a puff.
- Do not let go of the inhaler button yet and hold your breath for around 10 sec. or as long as comfortable.
- Exhale slowly. Then, release the button.
- Go back to breathing normally and shake the inhaler again for 5 sec. Repeat steps 5-9 to administer another puff.
- When you are done with 2 puffs, close the inhaler by replacing the mouthpiece cover back.
- Rinse your mouth using tap water and spit it out. Do not swallow.
Symbicort Inhaler side effects
The common side effects of Symbicort are throat irritation, changes in voice, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, and headache. In addition, you should report severe side effects, such as hypertension, worsening breathing problems, white patches on the mouth, trouble sleeping tremors, signs of infection, severe dizziness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and mental or mood changes. Call your doctor if this happens.
Precautions / Contraindications
This oral inhalation may increase the risk of QT prolongation. It could lead to a medical emergency once you develop symptoms like irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and fainting. To prevent this, drink a lot of fluids and avoid taking any form of diuretics. Patients using this inhaler should also look out for low levels of magnesium and potassium in the blood, as these conditions can also increase the risk of QT prolongation.
Avoid being exposed to or in contact with people who have an infection. You should also observe good personal hygiene at all times. Symbicort inhalers may increase your risk of getting an infection and may also cause serious symptoms of infection.
This inhaler should not be used if you have a known allergy to budesonide, formoterol, arformoterol, or any other inactive ingredients Symbicort inhaler may contain. Signs of serious allergic reactions are swelling of the face and neck, swollen lymph nodes, skin rashes, itchiness, trouble breathing, and severe dizziness. If this happens, get emergency medical help.
This prescription drug is also contraindicated among people with a history of aneurysm, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, seizures, diabetes, liver disease, osteoporosis, pheochromocytoma, and recent infections. Because of potential drug interactions, you should also talk about all prescription medications, nonprescription medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Symbicort Inhaler a steroid?
Symbicort Inhaler is a combination of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long-acting beta2-adrenergic
agonist (LABA).
2. Is Symbicort a rescue inhaler?
This prescription drug is not indicated to relieve acute bronchospasm or treat asthma attacks. Thus, this inhaler should not be used as a rescue inhaler.
3. Is Symbicort Inhaler safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
It is not known whether Symbicort Inhaler can cause danger to pregnant moms and unborn babies. However, this drug can pass into breastmilk. It is best for nursing moms to avoid this inhalation.
4. Is Symbicort Inhaler safe for children?
Although it is safe for children 6 years of age and above, it is important to note that Symbicort Inhaler can slow down the growth of children temporarily.
5. How much is the price of this medication?
You may check the pricing of this product by clicking here.