Symbicort 160 mcg/4.5 mcg Turbuhaler Description

Description

Symbicort 160 mcg/4.5 mcg Turbuhaler is a combination inhalation medicine used for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It helps control asthma symptoms, including wheezing and shortness of breath, in adults and children aged 6 years and older. In patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, it improves breathing and helps reduce the frequency of disease flare-ups.

Symbicort should be used regularly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual recommended dose is 2 inhalations twice daily, with one dose taken in the morning and the other approximately 12 hours later. Do not use more than the prescribed dose or stop treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.

After each use, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out to reduce the risk of developing oral fungal infections (thrush). If the medicine accidentally comes into contact with your eyes, rinse them immediately with clean water. Seek medical advice if redness or irritation persists.

If you miss a dose, take the next scheduled dose at the usual time. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed one. Continue using all other medicines prescribed for your breathing condition unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Uses of Symbicort 160 mcg/4.5 mcg Turbuhaler

• Long-term management of asthma in adults and children aged 6 years and older
• Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Reduction in COPD exacerbations and improvement of breathing

Precautions and Warnings

Before using Symbicort, inform your doctor if you:

• Are allergic to budesonide, formoterol, or any of the other ingredients in this medicine
• Have high blood pressure
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have heart, liver, or thyroid disorders
• Have a viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection
• Have recently been exposed to chickenpox or measles

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor if you are taking:

• Prescription or over-the-counter medicines
• Herbal supplements or vitamins
• Medicines used to treat HIV infection
• Antifungal medicines

Directions for Use

• Use Symbicort exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• The usual dose is 2 inhalations in the morning and 2 inhalations in the evening, approximately 12 hours apart.
• Rinse your mouth with water after each dose and spit the water out. Do not swallow it.
• If the medicine gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately with water and seek medical advice if irritation continues.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
• If you miss a dose, take your next dose at the scheduled time.
• Do not stop using Symbicort or any other prescribed breathing medication unless instructed by your doctor.

Side Effects of Symbicort 160 mcg/4.5 mcg Turbuhaler

Most side effects are mild and improve with continued use. Consult your doctor if they persist or become bothersome.

Common side effects include:

• Back pain
• Throat irritation or sore throat
• Inflammation of the sinus lining
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Sinusitis
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Stomach discomfort
• Slowed growth in children
• Oral thrush (mouth and throat)

Serious side effects may include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Chest pain
• Tremor or nervousness
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Increased wheezing
• Reduced bone mineral density
• Eye disorders, including cataracts and glaucoma
• Severe allergic reactions, including rash, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue, and difficulty breathing