In many patients, chronic asthma reaches a stage when the normal medicines used, cease to have any perceptive effect. It has become obstinate or refractory. Symbicort Inhalers are recommended for use in such patients. It is a combination of two drugs, a corticosteroid – Budesonide and long acting beta ₂ adrenergic agonist – Formoterol.

Symbicort is basically a controller medication and it cannot be discontinued just because the symptoms are somewhat diminishing.

The recommended dose is two puffs in the morning and two in the night as directed by the physician. It is imperative that neither the medication is missed nor over done. The corticosteroid- budesonide reduces the inflammation while the beta2 adrenergic agonist – Formoterol relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi. Long acting beta agonist, LABA as a group has a side kick that can set up sudden flare ups and if not attended to properly in time can be fatal. It is not known if budesonide can counter the highly unwanted side reaction of Formoterol at all.

Astra Zeneca, the manufacturer of symbicort has supplied a detailed medication guide that comes with the prescription. Users should understand the guide and clarify all their doubts before starting to use the inhaler. This inhaler can set up a sudden flare up of symptoms. One should get emergency medical help if the breathing problem suddenly worsens and the rescue inhalers do not give relief. Medication guide gives the details about how to use the inhaler, its cleaning, and storage method and other such useful information. What is worthy of note is the actuation counter which gives the count of the number of application remaining. It has a colored area which intimates the user that it is time to order new canister.

Symbicort inhalers Spiriva are two different products having different medication. Their usage is also somewhat different.Tag: Symbicort Inhalers, Symbicort Inhalers Spiriva