Symbicort
Designed to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, intended to alleviate airway inflammation and support breathing function in patients.
- Category
- Respiratory Health
- Active ingredients
- Budesonide · Formoterol
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Inhalation use
- Form
- Inhalation powder
- Strengths
- 160/4.5mcg
Symbicort details
- Conditions
- Asthma · Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Alternative names
- Budesonide Formoterol Inhaler; Budesonide Formoterol Rotacaps Inhaler
- Therapeutic class
- Inhaled Corticosteroid / Long-acting Beta2 Agonist
- Pharmacological class
- Corticosteroid; Beta2-adrenergic Agonist
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to active substances
- Minor side effects
- headache; palpitations
- Moderate side effects
- oral candidiasis; throat irritation
- Dosage forms
- Inhalation powder
- Administration route
- Inhalation use
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- AstraZeneca
- Onset Time
- 1–3 minutes
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store at room temperature below 30°C.
- Drug interactions
- beta blockers; ketoconazole
- Age restrictions
- Children and adults, as prescribed.
Precautions and warnings
rinse mouth after use to prevent fungal infection; monitor for increased heart rate
Serious side effects
bronchospasm, requires immediate medical attention; pneumonia, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Designed to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, intended to alleviate airway inflammation and support breathing function in patients.
Mechanism of action
This medication combines an inhaled corticosteroid, which reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways, and a long-acting beta2 agonist, which relaxes the bronchial muscles. Together, they provide both preventive control and rapid relief by maintaining open airways and reducing allergic responses.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: use only if clearly indicated after medical assessment. Breastfeeding: use with caution as these components pass into breast milk.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Symbicort
Symbicort is a combination medication containing Budesonide and Formoterol used for the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The same active ingredients are also sold under names such as Budesonide Formoterol Inhaler and Budesonide Formoterol Rotacaps Inhaler. Manufactured by AstraZeneca, this product is supplied as an inhaler in the 160/4.5mcg strength.
Buying Symbicort online
Symbicort is registered across 14 markets including Japan, the UAE and Singapore, with availability also in Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia. As one of the most ordered maintenance medications across the region, it is frequently sourced by expats who require reliable access to their regular treatment. While generic Budesonide and Formoterol alternatives may provide a more affordable route, the branded AstraZeneca product remains a popular choice for those who order it online due to being located far from a consistent local supply chain.