budesonide + formoterol at a glance
Medicine class
Inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting beta2 agonist bronchodilator
Licensed role
Regular asthma treatment when a combination inhaler is appropriate
Selected device
Breath-activated multidose dry-powder Turbohaler
After maintenance use
Rinse the mouth with water and spit it out to reduce oral thrush
What is budesonide + formoterol used for?
The selected Symbicort Turbohaler is licensed for asthma in adults, adolescents and children aged 6 years and over when an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator combination is appropriate.
Asthma not adequately controlled by an inhaled corticosteroid with an as-needed short-acting bronchodilator.
Asthma adequately controlled by an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2 agonist.
It may be prescribed with a separate reliever or as a maintenance-and-reliever inhaler.
How does budesonide + formoterol work?
Budesonide reduces airway inflammation and helps prevent asthma symptoms and exacerbations. Formoterol relaxes airway smooth muscle, opening narrowed airways rapidly with a long-lasting effect.
budesonide + formoterol preparations and strengths
Inhaled preparation
Route: Inhaled
Strengths: 100 micrograms + 3 micrograms/actuation, 160 micrograms + 4.5 micrograms, 200 micrograms + 6 micrograms/actuation, 320 micrograms + 9 micrograms
How to take budesonide + formoterol
Use the inhaler according to the plan provided by the prescriber. The selected Turbohaler is breath activated and does not require coordination with pressing a canister.
Load the inhaler as shown in its leaflet, then breathe out away from the mouthpiece.
Seal your lips around the mouthpiece and breathe in forcefully and deeply.
Never breathe out through the mouthpiece; replace the cover after use.
You may not taste or feel the small amount of powder.
Rinse your mouth with water after maintenance use and spit it out.
Ask a healthcare professional to check your inhaler technique regularly.
budesonide + formoterol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Oral thrush
- Throat irritation, cough or hoarse voice
- Headache
- Tremor or shakiness
- Palpitations
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden worsening of wheeze or breathlessness immediately after inhalation
- Serious allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain or fainting
- Possible adrenal suppression, particularly with prolonged high exposure: marked weakness, vomiting, low blood pressure, confusion or reduced consciousness
- New blurred vision or another significant visual disturbance
budesonide + formoterol in pregnancy
Good asthma control remains important during pregnancy. Do not stop prescribed inhalers without advice. UK patient sources report no evidence that inhaled corticosteroids, including budesonide, harm the baby. Evidence for the complete combination is more limited, so discuss treatment with the prescriber or maternity team.
budesonide + formoterol while breastfeeding
Exposure to inhaled budesonide through breast milk is negligible or very small, and it is considered compatible with breastfeeding. Information about formoterol in human milk is limited, so discuss the combination with the prescriber, especially if the infant was premature or is unwell.
budesonide + formoterol interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines, including eye drops and non-prescription products. Important examples include:
Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, including itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir and cobicistat
These can substantially increase budesonide exposure and the risk of corticosteroid adverse effects.
Beta blockers, including beta-blocker eye drops
These may reduce or block formoterol's bronchodilator effect and worsen bronchospasm.
Medicines that prolong the QT interval
Common questions about budesonide + formoterol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is budesonide + formoterol a steroid inhaler?
It contains the inhaled corticosteroid budesonide and the long-acting bronchodilator formoterol.
Can it be used as a reliever inhaler?
Some asthma plans use it for both regular control and symptom relief, while others require a separate reliever. Follow the written plan supplied by the prescriber.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.