Budesonide + Formoterol
Also sold as: Symbicort
Prescription neededAsthma and breathing
Comes as:Inhaler
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor. Usual adult dose: 1 to 2 inhalations twice a day. Some patients are told to use extra inhalations for symptoms; follow your written plan. Rinse your mouth after use.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- shaking of hands
- headache
- fast heartbeat
- hoarse voice
- mouth thrush
- muscle cramps
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- worsening wheeze right after use
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Heart disease or irregular heartbeat (use with caution)
- Overactive thyroid or diabetes (use with caution)
- Untreated tuberculosis of the lungs (use with caution)
- Do not stop suddenly without your doctor
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Propranolol
Non-selective beta blockers block formoterol and can trigger severe bronchospasm.
Moderate1 medicineTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Itraconazole
Itraconazole raises budesonide levels and can cause steroid side effects.