Generic Symbicort Inhaler Uses, Interactions, Side effects Description Generic Symbicort is advised to control and prevent the symptoms caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – such as wheezing and shortness of breath. The medicine contains two active ingredients – Budesonide and Formoterol. Budesonide is a corticosteroid that works by reducing the swelling and irritation of the air passages. Formoterol is a beta agonist that works by opening the air passages to make breathing easier. For asthma, Generic Symbicort should be used when breathlessness is poorly controlled with other medications. Prior to using this asthma medication, it is important to know how to use this asthma inhaler medicine. It must be used regularly to notice an improvement. The drug does not work right away, so it should not be used as a relieving inhaler.
Action Mechanism Generic Symbicort inhaler contains two drugs viz. Budesonide and Formoterol. Pharmacologically, Budesonide belongs to a family of drugs called corticosteroids. It acts by bringing down the irritation and swelling of the airways in the lungs. Formoterol belongs to the family of drugs called long-acting beta agonists. It acts by dilating the airways in the lungs so that you can breathe easier.
Dosage Follow all the instructions is you are using the Generic Symbicort inhaler for the first time. When priming the inhaler, spray away from the face to avoid contact with the eyes. Shake the inhaler well for at least 5 seconds before use. Inhale the aerosol medication orally as directed by your physician, usually two times a day. If your advised dose is two puffs, wait for a minute between two puffs. If you are using any other inhaler at the same time, wait for a minute between two inhaler dosages. Make sure you gargle and rinse your mouth with warm water after using Generic Symbicort to help prevent oral irritation or yeast infections. Do not swallow the water. Clean the aerosol inhaler one time a week with a dry cloth. You need to use Generic Symbicort on a regular basis to get the most out of it. To help you remember, make sure you use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase or decrease your dose. Use the medication as advised; do not stop using Generic Symbicort without first consulting your physician.
Precautions Before using Generic Symbicort, inform your physician if you are allergic to either Budesonide or Formoterol, or both This asthma inhaler may contain certain inactive ingredients, which can cause an allergic reaction, so talk to your physician for more details. Prior to using this asthma inhaler, check with your physician and inform about your medical history, if any. Generic Symbicort may increase the risk of infection. It may make you more likely to catch infections or may worsen pre-existing infections. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection and avoid contact with people who have infections. Before undergoing any surgery, tell your physician about all the medication you use, including prescription/OTC drugs or herbal products.
Side Effects Headache Throat irritation Upset stomach NOTE :These are common side effects of Generic Symbicort. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects persist or worsen. Most people using this asthma inhaler do not have any serious side effects. This medicine may increase your blood pressure, so monitor your blood pressure regularly and check with your physician if it is high.
Warnings Infrequent or irregular use of Generic Symbicort may cause sudden worsening of breathing problems or asthma. If you have sudden aggravation of breathing, use your quick-relief inhaler rather than this prevention inhaler. The medicine may slow down the growth of a child if used for a longer duration, but poorly controlled asthma may also slow down the growth. Older adults are more sensitive to the adverse effects of this asthma medicine especially heart related side effects. During pregnancy, Generic Symbicort should be used only when it is indicated. Discuss the benefits and risk with your doctor. Babies who are born to mothers using corticosteroids for a longer duration may develop hormone issue. Budesonide, one of the active drugs, may pass into breast milk. It is not clear whether Formoterol passes into breast milk. Seek medical help before breast-feeding.