This article describes Symbicort inhaler’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Symbicort. If you want to know more about Symbicort, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Symbicort is a brand-name medication that comes as a metered dose inhaler. It’s available in a generic version that has a combination of two medications: budesonide and formoterol. This article describes dosages of Symbicort.
Symbicort is also available as a product called Symbicort Aerosphere, but this form is not described in this article.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.
Form and strengths of Symbicort
Symbicort comes in this form and strengths:
| Form | How to take | Strength in micrograms (mcg) per puff |
|---|---|---|
| metered dose inhaler | take by inhaling | • budesonide 80 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg • budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg |
Dosage of Symbicort
This article describes the recommended dosages for Symbicort inhaler. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Symbicort inhaler without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Symbicort in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Symbicort inhaler. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Symbicort inhaler that gives the desired outcome.
Symbicort inhaler is a combination of budesonide and formoterol. The usual dosage in adults is:
| Condition | Strength per puff | Recommended dose | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| asthma | • budesonide 80 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg OR • budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg | 2 inhalations twice daily | budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg (2 inhalations daily) |
| chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg | 2 inhalations twice daily | budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg (2 inhalations daily) |
Dosages of Symbicort in children
Symbicort inhaler can be used for asthma in children ages 6 years or older. The usual dosage for asthma is:
| Age in years | Strength per puff | Recommended dose |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 12 | budesonide 80 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg | 2 inhalations twice daily |
| 12 and above | • budesonide 80 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg OR • budesonide 160 mcg and formoterol 4.5 mcg | 2 inhalations twice daily |
Dosage adjustments for Symbicort
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Symbicort inhaler based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Symbicort
If you miss a dose of Symbicort, do not double up on your dose. You can take your next dose at the same time you usually do.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Symbicort inhaler and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Symbicort inhaler and its dosage.
How does the dosage of Symbicort compare with the dosage of Breo Ellipta?
Symbicort and Breo Ellipta are part of the same group of drugs. They each contain two medications: one is a corticosteroid, which helps manage inflammation in your airways, and the other is a long acting beta 2 agonist (LABA), which works to keep your airways open.
But because Symbicort and Breo Ellipta are different drugs within the same drug class, their dosage is different. The dosage of Symbicort is 2 inhalations twice daily. The dosage of Breo Ellipta is 1 inhalation daily.
Keep in mind, one of these drugs may be more appropriate for you to take. Speak with your doctor to learn more about your options.
Is Symbicort used long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Symbicort inhaler as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should use Symbicort inhaler, talk with your doctor.
How Symbicort is used
You’ll inhale Symbicort twice per day and rinse your mouth out after each dose. It is important to rinse your mouth after each dose to lessen the chance of developing a type of fungal infection in your mouth
Each new inhaler should be primed prior to initial use. This can be done by shaking the inhaler well for 5 seconds and spraying it in the air away from your face twice. You should prime the inhaler again if you haven’t used it in the last 7 days.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Symbicort coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Symbicort inhaler when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
