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Symbicort Turbohaler is a combination inhaler containing budesonide (a corticosteroid) and formoterol fumarate dihydrate (a long-acting beta₂ agonist). It is indicated for the treatment of asthma in adults, adolescents, and children aged 6 years and older. It is also used for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults.
Symbicort also known as MART (Maintenance and Reliever Therapy).
Order Symbicort Turbohaler online with confidence from our UK-registered pharmacy. Symbicort is a combination inhaler containing budesonide and formoterol, used for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Available in 100/6 and 200/6 strengths, it offers effective maintenance and reliever therapy. Complete a quick online consultation and, if approved by our prescriber, we’ll dispense and deliver your prescription straight to your door—fast, secure and discreet.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Active ingredients | Budesonide and Formoterol fumarate dihydrate |
Form | Inhalation powder (dry powder inhaler) |
Status | Prescription only medicine (POM) |
Drug class | Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) + Long-acting beta₂ agonist (LABA) |
Used for | Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) |
Works by | Reduces inflammation and relaxes airway muscles to improve breathing |
Administration | Inhaled via the mouth using the Turbohaler device |
Effective within | Relief of symptoms typically begins within minutes |
Pack size | 60 or 120 inhalations |
Strengths available | 100/6 µg, 200/6 µg and 400/12 µg per inhalation |
Brand name | Symbicort Turbohaler |
Information leaflet | Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) included in packaging and downloadable online |
Image ref: AstraZeneca
Symbicort Turbohaler can be used as both a preventer and a reliever – a treatment strategy known as the SMART approach (Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy). This means you may not need a separate blue reliever inhaler, as Symbicort can manage both day-to-day symptoms and sudden flare-ups. It also called MART approach (Maintenance and Reliever Therapy).
Reduces inflammation and prevents asthma attacks
Provides rapid symptom relief when needed
Streamlines asthma treatment with one inhaler
Always use as directed by your doctor under a SMART plan.
Strength (per inhalation) | Budesonide (Steroid) | Formoterol (Bronchodilator) | Typical Use Case |
---|---|---|---|
100/6 µg | 100 micrograms | 6 micrograms | Mild to moderate asthma (as-needed or maintenance) |
200/6 µg | 200 micrograms | 6 micrograms | Moderate to severe asthma or COPD (maintenance therapy) |
400/12 µg | 400 micrograms | 12 micrograms | Severe asthma or advanced COPD (maintenance only – not for SMART use) |
✅ Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older (asthma and COPD)
✅ Children aged 6 to 11 years (Symbicort 100/6 only, asthma)
✅ Patients requiring both preventer and reliever therapy
✅ Suitable for those with moderate to severe asthma or COPD not controlled with monotherapy
Symbicort 200/6 is not recommended for children under 12 years.
The dosage varies based on individual patient needs and should be determined by a doctor.
For asthma, Symbicort can be used as both maintenance and reliever therapy.
For COPD, the usual dose is 2 inhalations twice daily.
Before first use, prepare the inhaler by twisting the base as per the patient information leaflet.
Inhale the medication as directed, ensuring correct technique for optimal delivery.
Rinse mouth with water after use to reduce the risk of oral thrush.
Watch the following Asthma + Lung UK video on how to use turbohaler:
Common: headache, throat irritation, hoarseness, oral thrush.
Uncommon: palpitations, muscle cramps, restlessness.
Rare: allergic reactions, including rash and swelling.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to budesonide, formoterol, or any other component of the inhaler.
Precautions:
Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, diabetes mellitus, or severe hepatic impairment.
Feature | Symbicort Turbohaler | Fostair Inhaler |
---|---|---|
Active ingredients | Budesonide + Formoterol | Beclometasone dipropionate + Formoterol |
Steroid component | Budesonide (ICS) | Extra-fine Beclometasone (ICS) |
Bronchodilator | Formoterol (LABA) | Formoterol (LABA) |
Device type | Dry powder inhaler (Turbohaler) | Metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) or NEXThaler (DPI) |
Particle size | Standard particle formulation | Extra-fine particles for deeper lung deposition |
Licensed use | Asthma & COPD | Asthma (maintenance & reliever therapy) |
SMART approach licensed | Yes (Symbicort Maintenance And Reliever Therapy) | Yes (Fostair MART – Maintenance And Reliever Therapy) |
Common strengths | 100/6, 200/6, 400/12 µg | 100/6, 200/6 µg (extra-fine particles) |
Prescribing differences | Symbicort is often used as both preventer & reliever | Fostair also used in MART but more inhaler technique required |
Taste / sensation | Dry powder, no propellant | pMDI contains propellant, may have taste sensation |
Symbicort Turbohaler is used for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It helps to reduce inflammation and open the airways for easier breathing.
Symbicort contains two active ingredients: budesonide (a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation) and formoterol (a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in the airways). Together, they help control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
Yes, Symbicort is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK. You must complete an online consultation with our prescriber before your order is approved.
The difference is in the strength of budesonide. Symbicort 100/6 is typically used for milder cases or as reliever therapy, while 200/6 is often used for maintenance treatment in more severe cases. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Yes, some patients use Symbicort as both a maintenance and reliever therapy (MART approach), but this must be prescribed by a doctor and used as directed.
Common side effects include oral thrush, hoarseness, sore throat, and headache. Rinsing your mouth after each dose helps reduce the risk of oral thrush.
Take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take a double dose.
Yes, but only if prescribed. Symbicort is often part of a larger asthma or COPD treatment plan. Do not combine with other long-acting beta agonists unless advised.
Authored by:
BPharm, MPharm, PGDip (Pharmacy), MRPharmS, IP
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
GPhC Number: 2083409
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BPharm, MPharm, PGDip (Pharmacy), MRPharmS, IP
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