Symbicort 200/6 Turbohaler

What is it?

A combined selective Bzagonist and corticosteroid available dry powder for use with breath-activated turbo-inhaler delivering 6µg of eformoterol fumerate and 200µg of budesonide per dose. Also, SYMBICORT 100/6 TURBO- HALER, delivering 6µg of eformoterol fumerate and 100µg of budesonide per breath-activated dose.

Medical Uses

Regular asthma treatment.

Dosage

Adults, both preparations, 1 to 2 puffs twice each day at first, reduced to lowest dose to be effective which may then be adequate once each day. Children, Symbicort 100/6 only, aged over 6 years, 2 puffs twice each day at first, reduced to lowest dose to be effective which may then be given once each day.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes, obstructive and enlarged disease of heart muscle, severe liver disorders, ischaemic heart disease, rapid heartbeat arrhythmias, heart failure, aneurysm, subvalvular aortric stenosis, phaeochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour), prolonged QT interval (part of ECG), toxic thyroid gland. In acute severe asthma, blood potassium levels should be monitored; not for relief of asthma attacks. Patients transferring from systemic steroids. Risk of suppression of adrenal glands and whole body effects if treatment is long-term. Children's growth should be monitored. Systemic steroids may additionally be needed in patients undergoing stress or surgery. Doses should be gradually reduced when stopping treatment.

Avoid Use

Children aged under 6 years (100/6), all children (200/6).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Maois, CYP3A4 inhibitors, antiarrhythmics, anaesthetics, β-blockers, drugs prolonging QT interval, sympathomimetics, ketoconazole.

Known Side Effects

Muscle cramps, disturbance of sleep, tremor, agitation, hoarseness, thrush infections of throat and mouth, headache. In rare cases, allergic reactions, paradoxical bronchspasm, skin reactions, angioedema (widespread swelling). Any adverse side effects should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).