Symbicort Active Ingredients
Symbicort contains two active ingredients: budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid) and formoterol fumarate dihydrate (a long-acting beta2-agonist). 1
Specific Formulations
Symbicort is available in two strength combinations delivered via pressurized metered-dose inhaler 1:
- Symbicort 80/4.5: Contains 80 mcg budesonide and 4.5 mcg formoterol fumarate dihydrate per actuation 1
- Symbicort 160/4.5: Contains 160 mcg budesonide and 4.5 mcg formoterol fumarate dihydrate per actuation 1
Mechanism of Action
Budesonide is a synthetic corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory properties that exhibits approximately 200-fold higher affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor compared to cortisol 1. It addresses the underlying inflammatory component of asthma and COPD by inhibiting multiple inflammatory cell types and mediators 1.
Formoterol fumarate dihydrate is a long-acting selective beta2-adrenergic agonist with rapid onset of action that acts as a bronchodilator 1. In vitro studies demonstrate formoterol has more than 200-fold greater activity at beta2-receptors than at beta1-receptors 1.
Inactive Ingredients
The formulation also contains 1:
- Hydrofluoroalkane (HFA-227; 1,2,3-heptafluoropropane) as propellant
- Povidone K25 USP as suspending agent
- Polyethylene glycol 1000 NF as lubricant
Complementary Effects
The combination provides complementary therapeutic effects: budesonide treats underlying airway inflammation while formoterol prevents and reverses airway obstruction 2, 3. This dual mechanism addresses two different pathophysiologic components of obstructive airway disease simultaneously 2.