The combination preparation budesonide/formoterol is a formulation containing budesonide and formoterol used in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is marketed by AstraZeneca under the trade name Symbicort.

It combines in a single inhaler two active ingredients:

• budesonide (Pulmicort), an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid
• formoterol (Oxis, Foradil), a rapid-acting and long-lasting bronchodilator.

Currently it is available in three doses of 100/6, 200/6 and 400/12. Symbicort is already approved and available in a few countries in Europe as well as Australia and Canada. In the United States it is still awaiting FDA approval.

Symbicort is the first combination inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta agonist (ICS/LABA) that has shown some efficacy as a medicine not only used to prevent asthma attacks, but also provide quick relief of an asthma attack. The use for quick relief has not yet been approved by any guidelines, government or committee.

The combination is similar to fluticasone/salmeterol which is another combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting β₂-agonist.

References

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See also

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• Fluticasone/salmeterol

Pharmacologic agents