Symbicort
Symbicort is a inhaler/turbuhaler made by AstraZeneca that contains Formoterol + Budesonide. It combines Formoterol: long-acting bronchodilator and Budesonide: steroid (inhaled).
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Formoterol | see pack |
| Budesonide | see pack |
Formoterol
What it is used for
Keeps the airways open for many hours in asthma and COPD.
How it works
A long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) that keeps the airways open for 12 hours. It is always combined with an inhaled steroid for asthma.
How to take it
Use exactly as prescribed, usually twice daily. Some budesonide/formoterol inhalers are also used as the reliever. Never use a LABA alone for asthma.
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Muscle cramps
Get medical help straight away if
- Breathing gets worse after use
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Be careful
Used with a steroid inhaler for asthma, not on its own.
Other medicines and interactions
Beta blockers can block it. With diuretics, steroids and theophylline potassium can fall.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Can be continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding if needed for asthma control.
Budesonide
What it is used for
Reduces inflammation in the airways to prevent asthma and COPD symptoms.
How it works
An inhaled steroid that calms inflammation in the airways. Used every day, it prevents asthma attacks and COPD flares. It does not relieve symptoms quickly.
How to take it
Use every day as prescribed, even when well, usually twice daily. Rinse your mouth and spit after each dose to prevent thrush and hoarseness.
Common side effects
- Hoarse voice
- Sore throat
- Oral thrush (white patches)
- Cough
Get medical help straight away if
- White patches in the mouth that do not clear
- Signs of chest infection
- Eyesight changes (with long high-dose use)
Be careful
Rinse your mouth after each use to prevent thrush.
Other medicines and interactions
Itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir and clarithromycin can raise its level in the body.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Budesonide is the preferred inhaled steroid in pregnancy. Safe to use while breastfeeding.
Same composition, other brands (1)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching brands.
Same ingredients, different strength or form
Common questions
What is Symbicort?
Symbicort is a inhaler/turbuhaler by AstraZeneca containing Formoterol + Budesonide.
What is Symbicort used for?
Keeps the airways open for many hours in asthma and COPD. Reduces inflammation in the airways to prevent asthma and COPD symptoms.
How should I take Symbicort?
Use exactly as prescribed, usually twice daily. Some budesonide/formoterol inhalers are also used as the reliever. Never use a LABA alone for asthma. Use every day as prescribed, even when well, usually twice daily. Rinse your mouth and spit after each dose to prevent thrush and hoarseness. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Symbicort?
Common side effects include: Tremor, headache, palpitations, muscle cramps, Hoarse voice, sore throat, oral thrush (white patches), cough. Get medical help straight away for: Breathing gets worse after use, chest pain or irregular heartbeat, White patches in the mouth that do not clear, signs of chest infection, eyesight changes (with long high-dose use).
Does Symbicort need a prescription?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Can I take Symbicort in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Can be continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding if needed for asthma control. Budesonide is the preferred inhaled steroid in pregnancy. Safe to use while breastfeeding.
What are the substitutes for Symbicort?
Brands with the same composition: Foracort. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Sources and further reading
- Formoterol: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Budesonide: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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