Symbicort (Budesonide-Formoterol) is commonly used as a maintenance therapy inhaler for asthma. This medication is effective at treating airway diseases but it carries an FDA warning and drug interactions with steroids, NSAIDs, and antibiotics. Keep reading to find out more:
Generic Name: Budesonide-Formoterol
Brand Name(s): Symbicort, Symbicort Aerosphere
Pronunciation: bue DES oh nide-for MOE te rol
About this drug:
Budesonide-Formoterol is a combination of an inhaled anti-inflammatory steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator used to treat and manage breathing problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This medication is used only if asthma is severe or is not well controlled while taking other long-term asthma medications.
It is not used to relieve sudden symptoms of COPD or sudden breathing problems related to asthma. It will not replace a rescue inhaler.
Dentistry-related tidbits:
Dentists should follow dental infections closely since this medication causes immunosuppression.
This medication may cause a fungal infection of the mouth and throat. Dentists should advise patients to rinse with water and spit after each inhaler use to decrease the risk of fungal growth. Consider prescribing an antifungal medication such as Clotrimazole Troches if the problem persists.
This medication will not work fast enough to treat an asthma attack. A fast-acting medication should be used for an asthma attack such as the inhaler in your emergency kit.
Combining NSAIDs, steroids, and the oxazolidinone antibiotic Linezolid with Budesonide-Formoterol may increase the risk of hypertension.
Combining the antifungals Itraconazole and Ketoconazole with Budesonide-Formoterol may increase Budesonide levels, which increases the risk for systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing syndrome, adrenal suppression, and serious infections.
Combining Budesonide-Formoterol with macrolide antibiotics (e.g. Erythromycin), quinolone antibiotics (e.g. Levofloxacin), or the narcotic Tramadol may increase the risk of QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias.
Many medications such as the antifungal Amphotericin and steroids in combination with this medication may cause hypokalemia. Before prescribing any medication, use the Rx Check tool to prevent potential drug interactions or adverse effects.
Fun facts:
Budesonide is an anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid that inhibits cell types and mediators involved in allergic inflammation. Formoterol is a long-acting selective beta2-adrenergic agonist that opens the airway in the bronchioles.
Pay special attention to geriatric patients with cardiovascular disease who are using this medication, as they can be adversely affected by beta2-agonists.
This medication has an FDA Warning regarding increased risk of asthma-related death or breathing problems that require hospitalization.
In 2021, it was the 72nd most commonly prescribed medication with over 9 million prescriptions.
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