What is the recommended dosage and administration of Symbiont (Budesonide-Formoterol) 160-4.5 mcg/act?

Dosage and Administration of Symbicort (Budesonide-Formoterol) 160-4.5 mcg/act

For patients with asthma, Symbicort (budesonide-formoterol) 160-4.5 mcg/act should be administered as two inhalations twice daily, providing a total daily dose of 640 mcg budesonide and 18 mcg formoterol. 1

Dosing Recommendations for Different Age Groups

• For adults and adolescents 12 years and older with persistent asthma:

  • Standard dosing: Two inhalations twice daily (morning and evening) 1
  • Maximum daily dose: 640 mcg budesonide/18 mcg formoterol (4 inhalations per day) 2

• For children under 12 years:

  • Not approved for use in this age group 1

Administration Instructions

• Patient should be instructed to:
  • Shake the inhaler well before each use 2
  • Exhale fully before placing the mouthpiece in mouth 3
  • Inhale deeply and hold breath for about 10 seconds 3
  • Wait at least 1 minute between the two inhalations 3
  • Rinse mouth with water after use to reduce the risk of oral thrush 1

Quick-Relief Usage

• In Steps 3 and 4 of asthma treatment, Symbicort can be used as both maintenance and reliever therapy 1
• For symptom relief: 1-2 puffs as needed 1
• Maximum total daily maintenance and rescue dose: 12 puffs (54 mcg formoterol) 1
• Caution: Increasing use of Symbicort or using it more than 2 days per week for symptom relief generally indicates inadequate control and may require a step up in treatment 1

Monitoring and Follow-up

• Assess asthma control after 2-6 weeks of initiating therapy 1
• Step down if asthma is well controlled for at least 3 consecutive months 1
• Step up if needed based on symptom control and exacerbation history 1

Clinical Efficacy

• Symbicort demonstrates rapid onset of effect (within 1 minute of administration) due to the properties of formoterol 4
• Provides better asthma control compared to equivalent or higher doses of budesonide alone 2
• Reduces severe exacerbations by 24% compared to placebo and 23% compared to formoterol alone 5

Potential Adverse Effects

• Common side effects include:

  • Oral thrush (candidiasis) 1
  • Dysphonia (hoarseness) 1
  • Cough 1
  • Tachycardia 1
  • Skeletal muscle tremor 1
  • Hypokalemia 1

• Using a spacer or valved holding chamber with proper mouth rinsing after inhalation can decrease local side effects 1

Important Considerations

• Symbicort should not be used for acute symptom relief in acute asthma attacks 1
• Patients should be advised not to stop therapy abruptly 2
• Consultation with an asthma specialist is recommended if Step 4 or higher treatment is required 1
• Patients should be monitored for adrenal suppression with long-term use 1