Ingredients of Symbicort
Symbicort contains two active ingredients: budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid) and formoterol (a long-acting beta2-agonist). 1, 2
Active Ingredients Details
- Budesonide: An inhaled corticosteroid that treats underlying airway inflammation in asthma 1, 2
- Formoterol: A rapid- and long-acting beta2-agonist that prevents and reverses airway obstruction 1, 3
Mechanism of Action
- Budesonide and formoterol have complementary effects, treating two different components of asthma 1
- The combination provides both anti-inflammatory effects (from budesonide) and bronchodilation (from formoterol) 2
- Formoterol has a rapid onset of action, providing quick symptom relief, while budesonide addresses the underlying inflammation 3
Formulation Characteristics
- Symbicort is available as a combination inhaler containing both medications in a single device 1
- The combination allows for convenient twice-daily dosing during periods of good control 1
- Formoterol in Symbicort provides a faster onset of action compared to other long-acting beta2-agonists like salmeterol 3
Clinical Considerations
- Symbicort is indicated for maintenance treatment of asthma in patients whose condition is not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone 4
- The formoterol component should not be used for acute symptom relief or exacerbations 5
- Potential adverse effects include respiratory infections, headache, tremor, and potential adrenal insufficiency with long-term use 6, 5
Important Distinctions
- Formoterol is the preferred LABA in combination therapy due to its rapid onset of action 7
- Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) has a faster onset of action than other combination products like Seretide/Advair (salmeterol/fluticasone) 3
- Studies suggest a potential synergistic effect when both drugs are administered via one inhaler 2