Symbicort Turbuhaler

Symbicort Turbuhaler exhibits therapeutic activity due to the properties of its two active ingredients – formoterol and budesonide, which have different mechanisms of action and develop an additive effect in terms of reducing the number of asthma exacerbations.

The specific effect of formoterol and budesonide allows the drug to be used for maintenance procedures and to reduce the symptoms of asthma. [ 1 ]

Budesonide is a substance from the GCS category. [ 2 ]

Formoterol belongs to the group of β2-adrenergic antagonists. [ 3 ]

The active ingredients help to reduce the number of asthma attacks, and at the same time improve bronchial function.

Indications Symbicort Turbuhaler

It is used to perform inhalations in people with bronchial asthma or respiratory pathologies, against the background of which chronic obstruction is observed.

Release form

The drug is released in the form of inhalation powder - inside inhaler bottles, 60 portions each; there is 1 such inhaler in a pack.

Pharmacodynamics

Budesonide has an anti-inflammatory effect on the bronchi, which helps to reduce the symptoms of bronchial asthma, as well as the frequency of attacks. The substance reduces swelling of the bronchial mucous membranes, reducing the rate of production of sputum with mucus.

Formoterol relaxes bronchial smooth muscles, which leads to a positive result during COPD therapy. Formoterol has a persistent and rapid therapeutic effect.

Dosing and administration

The drug should not be used at the beginning of therapy for asthma. Titration of the dose is carried out gradually, with a decrease to the minimum that eliminates the symptoms of asthma. At the end of long-term therapy using this medication, when attacks are stably relieved, it is necessary to switch to drugs containing corticosteroids as an active ingredient.

As a supporting element in asthma, the drug is used in the form of a fast-acting substance in the event of an attack. In this case, 1-2 inhalations of a dose of 80/4.5 mcg or 160/4.5 mcg are administered, 2 times a day. For children, 1-2 inhalations of 80/4.5 mcg of the drug are administered per day. In some cases, up to 4 inhalations are required 2 times a day.

When a stable effect is achieved, the dosage is reduced to the minimum limits. During the reduction of the drug titer, the number of inhalations per day before the 1st procedure can be individually reduced.

In case of COPD, the medication is used in a dose of 160/4.5 mcg, 2 times a day.

Before starting the procedure, remove the cap from the inhaler, then, holding it vertically, turn the dispenser on it until it stops in one direction. Then measure the dosage by turning the dispenser in the other direction (1 division in this case is 10 mcg of the drug). Then exhale, clamp the tip of the inhaler with your lips, take a deep breath and hold your breath for a while. Before inhaling again, remove the bottle from your mouth. If another inhalation is required, repeat the procedure.

The medication should be discontinued by gradually reducing the dosage.

• Use in children

It is prohibited to use the medicine in persons under 6 years of age. Persons aged 6-11 years should be prescribed a form of the medicine with a reduced dosage (80/4.5 mcg).

Use Symbicort Turbuhaler during pregnancy

Symbicort Turbuhaler should not be administered to pregnant women unless the potential benefit to the woman outweighs the risk of adverse effects on the fetus.

You should not breastfeed during therapy with the drug.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• presence of allergy to the components of the medication;
• active phase of pulmonary tuberculosis;
• respiratory tract lesions of viral, fungal or bacterial origin.

Caution is required when prescribing to people with pheochromocytoma, hyperthyroidism, aneurysm and high blood pressure, as well as diabetics.

Side effects Symbicort Turbuhaler

Often, when using drugs, patients experience headaches, tremors, oral candidiasis, palpitations, coughing and irritation in the throat area, which is moderate in nature.

Sometimes its use leads to nausea, loss of consciousness, arrhythmia, muscle spasm, as well as tachycardia, sleep disorders, extrasystole, anxiety and increased excitability.

Rarely, the administration of the drug causes bronchial spasm, angina, taste disturbance, decrease or increase in blood potassium levels and weakening of bone density, as well as growth retardation, symptoms of drug intolerance (itching, urticaria or dermatitis) and suppression of adrenal activity.

Glaucoma, cataracts or hypercorticism syndrome may occasionally develop when using the drug.

In pediatrics, depression and a depressed state may be observed when administering drugs.

The use of Symbicort Turbuhaler may cause an increase in blood levels of glycerol, free fatty acids, insulin and keratin derivatives.

Overdose

Intoxication may cause headaches and tremors. Rarely, overdose causes arrhythmia, tachycardia, digestive disorders, and decreased blood potassium levels.

With prolonged use of large doses of drugs, adrenal function is suppressed, which can lead to the development of hypercorticism.

Interactions with other drugs

Use together with ketoconazole significantly increases the medicinal activity of budesonide.

The therapeutic effect of formoterol may be weakened when used with medications that contain β-blockers.

The effect of the drug is prolonged when combined with procainamide, quinidine, antihistamines, antidepressants, disopyramide and phenothiazines.

The combination of the drug with oxytocin, levothyroxine, alcoholic beverages and levodopa increases the risk of developing negative symptoms associated with cardiovascular function.

The use of Symbicort Turbuhaler and halogenated hydrocarbons increases the likelihood of arrhythmia.

The use of MAOIs together with the drug leads to an increased risk of increased blood pressure values.

The likelihood of hypokalemia is potentiated when using the drug together with GCS, xanthine-based substances, and diuretics.

Storage conditions

Symbicort Turbuhaler should be stored in a dry place, out of the reach of small children. Temperature values are a maximum of 30 °C.

Shelf life

Symbicort Turbuhaler can be used for a period of 2 years from the date of sale of the pharmaceutical product.

Analogues

The analogs of the drug are the medications Foster and Foradil Combi.