Symbicort

What is it?

Composition

Symbicort contains two active ingredients: budesonide and formoterol. These substances act together, providing a longer and more complex effect on the respiratory system.

• Budesonide is a glucocorticoid that reduces inflammation in the airways, reducing swelling and irritation, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
• Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that helps relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi, making breathing easier and reducing symptoms of wheezing and chest tightness.

These components provide a combined effect, which makes Symbicort an effective means of maintaining control of asthma and COPD over a long period of time.

How to use?

Symbicort requires that you follow the recommended dosing schedule to ensure that it is as effective as possible. It is important to strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage and your doctors recommendations.

1. Before use, shake the inhaler thoroughly and check the mouthpiece for dirt or medication residue.
2. Breathe out completely and close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece, holding the inhaler upright and pointing it towards the back of your throat.
3. Press the top of the inhaler as you breathe in slowly and deeply.
4. Continue breathing in for as long as is comfortable, then hold your breath for a few seconds.
5. Remove your finger from the inhaler, remove the mouthpiece and breathe normally.

Repeat these steps for the second inhalation, then rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove any medication residue.

How does it work?

Symbicort works by combining two active ingredients – budesonide and formoterol. These substances work synergistically, providing comprehensive treatment for asthma and COPD symptoms. Budesonide has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing swelling and irritation of the airways. This helps reduce the frequency of exacerbations and maintain normal breathing throughout the day.

Formoterol, on the other hand, helps to relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi, which helps reduce bronchospasm and facilitate the flow of air into the lungs. This is achieved through prolonged dilation of the airways, which makes breathing easier and reduces the feeling of tightness in the chest.

Thus, Symbicort provides a two-way action: it simultaneously eliminates inflammation and facilitates breathing, which makes it an effective solution for long-term control of asthma and COPD.

Indications

Symbicort is recommended for use in several conditions related to respiratory disorders. It can be useful for both preventive and therapeutic use in a variety of conditions.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including forms such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, for symptom relief and control.
• Long-term treatment of asthma in adults and children over six years of age to prevent exacerbations and maintain normal breathing.

These indications highlight its importance in everyday therapy, especially for patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

Contraindications

Despite its effectiveness, Symbicort has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before use to avoid possible complications and inconvenience to patients.

• Contraindicated as initial therapy for acute asthma or COPD attacks, as its action is not fast enough to relieve symptoms.
• Contraindicated for patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to budesonide or formoterol. Such reactions may include skin itching, swelling, or other allergic manifestations.

These contraindications emphasize the need to consult a doctor before starting Symbicort for safe and effective treatment.

Side effects

Although Symbicort can be very effective, there are some side effects that users should be aware of. These can occur with varying frequency and intensity.

• Common side effects include cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, fatigue, body aches, and headaches.
• Less common effects may occur, including increased urination, bladder and abdominal pain, dizziness, and sweating.
• Some patients may experience more severe effects, such as changes in voice or a feeling of tightness in the throat.

These effects highlight the importance of monitoring the patients condition while taking Symbicort.