Symbicort 160 Turbuhaler

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Akanksha Kaushal

Dr. Akanksha, Pharm-D

Dr. Akansha is a licensed Clinical Pharmacologist with extensive expertise in pharmacovigilance, prescription analysis, drug information, and safety. She's a dedicated educator and avid learner. Dr. Akansha also reviews medical content on GoodRx Medicine, ensuring accurate pharmaceutical information is accessible to all.

Written by

Julian Carter

Julian Carter

Julian, an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, brings a dynamic blend of expertise and impact with his contributions at Goodrxmedicine. His dedication and innovative spirit continue to shape a brighter future in pharmaceutical management.

About Symbicort 160/4.5 Turbuhaler

Symbicort 160/4.5 Turbuhaler treats Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), Asthma, lung inflammation, and constriction of airways.

The active ingredients in the inhaler are salts that the FDA has approved. These salts are Budesonide 160 mcg and Formoterol Fumarate 4.5 mcg.

AstraZeneca specializes in manufacturing Symbicort Turbuhaler.

Uses

Symbicort 160 / 4.5 is used to treat:

• Asthma
• Constriction of airways
• Lung inflammation
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)

How does Symbicort work

Symbicort consists of Budesonide and Formoterol.

Budesonide is a Corticosteroid that reduces swelling and itching and prevents the release of inflammatory-causing chemicals.

Long-acting Bronchodilators, including Formoterol Fumarate, relax the airways' muscles, making breathing easier.

The inhaler aids in maintaining open airways in the lungs. Consequently, this facilitates effortless airflow in and out.

It relieves chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.

Typically, its effects begin within minutes and might persist for several hours.

How to use it

Patients are instructed to use the inhaler regularly with a full stomach to prevent an upset stomach. The inhaler should not be used by breastfeeding or pregnant women.

Symbicort 160/4.5 dosage is recommended for two puffs and four times per day. However, you must adhere to your physician's dose and usage recommendations.

• You need to give the inhaler a good shake before each usage
• To use the inhaler, press down once to release the medication, take a deep breath in through your mouth, and then hold your breath for 10 seconds
• Repeated inhalation is required until the prescribed number of puffs has been taken
• The next step in preventing oral infections is to gargle with water and then spit it out

Foracort Inhaler 6/200 mcg and Foracort Inhaler 6/400 mcg are the alternatives to Symbicort with the same salt Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate.

Side effects

Some people may experience minor side effects from using this inhaler, such as:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Stomach discomfort
• Cough
• Vomiting
• Nasopharyngitis
• Fungal infection of the oropharynx
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Sinus inflammation
• Tremors
• Palpitations
• Voice change

Interactions

Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate may interact with other drugs and conditions. Inform your physician before taking the inhaler.

Drug interactions

Symbicort 160/4.5 Turbuhaler can interact with certain medications, such as:

• Diuretics
• Anticholinergic Agents
• Receptor Blocking Agents
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
• Tricyclic Antidepressants

Disease interactions

Avoid taking Symbicort 160 / 4.5 if you have the following:

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Diabetes
• Hypokalemia
• Seizures 

Precautions

Keep the following things in mind before and after using the inhaler:

• If you have an allergy to Formoterol Fumarate or Budesonide, you should avoid using the inhaler
• Please avoid using the inhaler near a flame or other heat source since it may explode if exposed to extreme heat
• Symbicort 160/4.5 is not an inhaler for emergency use
• Regularly clean the inhaler's mouthpiece with a fiber-free tissue or cotton towel
• Must cover the inhaler's mouth by replacing the cap after usage

Storage

When not in use, the inhaler should be kept in a dry and cool location away from direct light. Do not put it in the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Symbicort 160 for?

Symbicort 160/4.5 Turbuhaler is given to people with Asthma and COPD to help with their symptoms. Diseases that block the airways, like Asthma and COPD, usually cause wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and a tight feeling in the chest.

Does Symbicort affect sleep?

Budesonide inhalation may help enhance sleep by lowering Asthma symptoms at night. However, taking an excessive amount of Symbicort may induce insomnia or sleep disorders.

Does Symbicort 160 / 4.5 help immediately?

Symbicort 160 / 4.5 is a combination inhaler that contains both the fast-acting beta2-agonist Bronchodilator Budesonide and the long-acting Corticosteroid Formoterol for treating underlying inflammation.

When can I drink water after taking Symbicort 160mcg/4.5 Turbuhaler?

Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg Turbuhaler has no known water restrictions. However, it is advisable to rinse your mouth before drinking water.