Foracort (Budesonide/Formoterol) Composition Per Puff
One puff of Foracort typically contains budesonide 100 mcg or 200 mcg combined with formoterol 6 mcg, delivered as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or dry powder inhaler (DPI), with the standard dosing being 2 inhalations twice daily. 1
Available Strengths
Budesonide/formoterol combination inhalers are available in multiple strength combinations:
- Lower strength: Budesonide 80 mcg/formoterol 4.5 mcg per inhalation (delivered dose via MDI) 2
- Medium strength: Budesonide 160 mcg/formoterol 4.5 mcg per inhalation (delivered dose via MDI) 2, 3
- Higher strength: Budesonide 200 mcg/formoterol 6 mcg per inhalation (metered dose via DPI) 4
The specific composition depends on the formulation and delivery device used. 5, 3
Standard Dosing Regimen
The typical prescribed dose is 2 inhalations twice daily, meaning patients receive:
- For 80/4.5 mcg strength: Total daily dose of 160 mcg budesonide + 9 mcg formoterol 2
- For 160/4.5 mcg strength: Total daily dose of 320 mcg budesonide + 9 mcg formoterol 2, 3
- For 200/6 mcg strength: Total daily dose of 400 mcg budesonide + 12 mcg formoterol 6
Key Components
Budesonide is the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) component providing anti-inflammatory control. 1, 5
Formoterol is the long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) component providing bronchodilation with rapid onset of action (within 1 minute). 5, 7
Important Clinical Considerations
- Formoterol must never be used without an inhaled corticosteroid, as LABA monotherapy significantly increases exacerbations and treatment failures. 1, 2
- The combination in a single inhaler demonstrates synergistic effects superior to either component alone or higher-dose ICS monotherapy. 3, 7
- Budesonide/formoterol requires twice-daily administration for optimal efficacy due to the pharmacokinetic properties of both components. 1, 8
Delivery Efficiency
Only the "delivered dose" (what exits the device) should be considered when prescribing, as this already accounts for device efficiency. The metered dose is typically higher than the delivered dose. 3, 4