Symbicort Turbuhaler 60md is a combination inhaler designed for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains two active ingredients, budesonide (a corticosteroid) and formoterol (a long-acting beta2-agonist), working synergistically to reduce airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. This dry powder inhaler offers a convenient, multidose delivery system, ensuring consistent medication administration for improved respiratory function and symptom management in appropriate patient populations.

Features

• Contains budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 4.5 mcg per inhalation
• Multidose dry powder inhaler (Turbuhaler device) with 60 metered doses
• No requirement for shaking or priming; breath-actuated mechanism
• Integrated dose counter to track remaining medication
• Designed for deep lung deposition with optimal particle size distribution
• Prescription-only medication requiring healthcare professional oversight

Benefits

• Provides dual-action therapy combining anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects
• Reduces frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations and COPD flare-ups
• Improves lung function measurements (FEV1) within clinical studies
• Enhances overall quality of life through better symptom control day and night
• Offers convenient twice-daily dosing regimen for treatment adherence
• May reduce need for rescue medication use in appropriately selected patients

Common use

Symbicort Turbuhaler 60md is indicated for the regular treatment of asthma where combination therapy is appropriate, specifically for patients not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and “as needed” short-acting beta2-agonists, or those already controlled on both inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2-agonists. For COPD, it is indicated for maintenance treatment in patients with severe COPD (FEV1 < 50% predicted normal) and a history of repeated exacerbations, who have significant symptoms despite regular bronchodilator therapy.

Dosage and direction

For asthma maintenance: Adults (18 years and older): 1-2 inhalations twice daily. The maximum recommended dose is 4 inhalations twice daily. For COPD: Adults (18 years and older): 2 inhalations twice daily. Administration should be consistent, approximately every 12 hours. Patients should rinse their mouth with water after inhalation to reduce the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis. Proper inhalation technique is crucial: exhale fully away from the mouthpiece, place lips tightly around mouthpiece, inhale deeply and forcefully, hold breath for 5-10 seconds if possible, then exhale slowly.

Precautions

Patients should be advised that Symbicort is not intended for relief of acute bronchospasm; a separate rapid-acting bronchodilator should be prescribed for rescue therapy. Systemic effects of corticosteroids may occur, particularly at high doses over prolonged periods, including adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decrease in bone mineral density, cataract, and glaucoma. Patients should be monitored for increased bronchial hyperactivity during and after treatment withdrawal. Caution is advised in patients with thyrotoxicosis, phaeochromocytoma, diabetes mellitus, untreated hypokalaemia, or severe cardiovascular disorders. Paradoxical bronchospasm may occur—if experienced, treatment should be discontinued immediately.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to budesonide, formoterol, or any excipients. Not recommended for primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where intensive measures are required. Should not be used in patients with known or suspected quinidine hypersensitivity. Contraindicated in patients with known or suspected phaeochromocytoma due to risk of severe hypertension. Not indicated for children below 6 years of age for asthma or below 18 years for COPD.

Possible side effects

Common (≥1/100 to <1/10): Oropharyngeal candidiasis, hoarseness/dysphonia, headache, palpitations, tremor, cough. Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100): Tachycardia, muscle cramps, agitation, restlessness, nervousness, sleep disturbances, nausea, dizziness, dermatitis, ecchymosis. Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000): Angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles), hypersensitivity reactions including rash and urticaria, bronchospasm, symptoms of systemic corticosteroid effects including adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia, psychological effects including behavioral changes. Very rare (<1/10,000): Anaphylactic reactions, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, cataract.

Drug interaction

Beta-blockers may weaken the effect of formoterol and may produce severe bronchospasm in patients with asthma—generally should be avoided unless compelling reasons exist. Concomitant treatment with quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide, phenothiazines, antihistamines, MAOIs, and TCAs may prolong QTc interval and increase risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Concomitant administration with other beta-adrenergic drugs may potentiate sympathetic effects. Ketoconazole and other potent CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase plasma levels of budesonide. Hypokalaemia may be increased by xanthine derivatives, steroids, diuretics, and hypoxia.

Missed dose

Patients should be instructed to take the next dose at the usual time. Do not double the dose to make up for a forgotten inhalation. If multiple doses are missed, patients should contact their healthcare provider for guidance, as symptom control may be compromised. Regular use is essential for optimal therapeutic effect, particularly for the corticosteroid component which requires consistent administration to maintain anti-inflammatory control.

Overdose

Overdose may lead to symptoms attributable to the beta2-agonist component: tachycardia, tremor, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, hyperglycemia, hypokalaemia. Massive overdose may result in angina, hypertension, hypotension, cardiac arrest. Corticosteroid overdose is unlikely from acute inhalation but could potentially cause systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism and adrenal suppression with chronic excessive use. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in cases of significant overdose. Serum potassium should be monitored due to risk of hypokalaemia.

Storage

Store at room temperature (15-30°C). Keep in a dry place. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. The Turbuhaler must be stored with the cover tightly closed. Do not store in bathroom or other humid areas. Do not puncture or burn even after use. Keep out of reach of children. Discard 3 months after opening the foil pouch or when the dose counter shows zero, whichever comes first. Do not attempt to take the inhaler apart.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Symbicort Turbuhaler 60md is a prescription medication that should be used only under appropriate medical supervision. Individual patient response may vary. Healthcare professionals should reference the full prescribing information before initiating treatment. Patients should not adjust dosage or discontinue treatment without consulting their healthcare provider. Proper diagnosis and ongoing monitoring are essential for safe and effective use.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate Symbicort Turbuhaler provides significant improvement in lung function and symptom control compared to monocomponents alone. In asthma patients, combination therapy showed superior asthma control days and reduced exacerbation rates. COPD studies demonstrated reduced exacerbation frequency and improved health status. Real-world evidence supports maintenance of lung function and quality of life improvements with appropriate adherence. Most patients report satisfaction with the convenience of the Turbuhaler device and twice-daily dosing regimen. Medical professionals note the importance of proper inhalation technique training for optimal drug delivery.