Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat bronchial asthma 2. To treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 3. To treat inflammation in the airway resulting in cough 4. To treat emphysema (damaged lung air sacs) |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Sore throat or mouth pain 2. Headache 3. Back pain 4. Infection or swelling in the lungs or sinuses 5. Stomach pain 6. Vomiting 7. Oral thrush |
| Additional Information | 1. Long-term use may require periodic lung function tests and monitoring for steroid-related side effects. 2. This medicine should only be used under medical supervision. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | This medicine is meant to be taken by inhalation. |
Formoterol + Budesonide Summary
Formoterol + budesonide is a combination inhaler used for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It combines Formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes airway muscles to improve breathing, and Budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs. This combination helps prevent symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, and chest tightness.
It is typically used twice daily and is not meant for immediate relief during sudden asthma attacks. Common side effects may include throat irritation, hoarseness, cough, headache, nausea, and oral thrush. It is contraindicated in individuals who are allergic to budesonide, formoterol, or any of the inhaler components.
Caution is advised in people with conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, glaucoma, osteoporosis, or seizures. In case of overdose, symptoms may include chest pain, tremors, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, nervousness, and muscle cramps. Always use this medicine as prescribed and consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Formoterol + Budesonide Uses
Formoterol + budesonide is an inhaler medicine belonging to the class of inhaled corticosteroid. Used to prevent and treat symptoms conditions like:
- Bronchial asthma
- Wet cough in conditions like COPD
- Inflammation in lungs resulting in wet cough
- Emphysema (damaged lung air sacs)
Directions for use
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking medication without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Formoterol + Budesonide side effects
More Common
- Infection in the nose or throat, flu, or common cold symptoms
- Sore throat or mouth pain
- Headache
- Back pain
- Infection or swelling in the lungs or sinuses
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Oral thrush
Less Common
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
How Formoterol + Budesonide works
People with asthma or COPD often experience long-term breathing difficulties due to restricted airflow in the lungs. Budesonide/formoterol is a combination of two medications: Budesonide, which helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs, and formoterol, which relaxes the muscles around the airways. Together, they help improve airflow and make breathing easier.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy Warning
Avoid if you have ever had an allergic reaction to formoterol or budesonide as it can increase the medication’s levels in the blood and potentially cause side effects.
Pregnancy
It is not clear if budesonide/formoterol is safe during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding
Budesonide can pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding or planning to, consult your doctor. They will guide you on whether it is safe to continue this medication.
Liver
Liver impairment may affect how the medicine is processed in the body. If you have history of liver problems should use this medicine with caution
Seizures
Formoterol may lower the seizure threshold in some individuals. If you have a history of seizures, consult your doctor before starting this medication.
Thyroid Problems
Formoterol may worsen symptoms in people with hyperthyroidism. Inform your doctor if you have an overactive thyroid, as it may require careful monitoring or dose adjustments.
Diabetes or High Blood Sugar
Budesonide can increase blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose regularly and consult their doctor, as this medicine may worsen blood sugar control.
Eye Problems
Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids like budesonide may increase the risk of eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts. Regular eye check-ups are advised if you have a history of these conditions.
Heart Problems
Formoterol can increase heart rate and blood pressure. If you have heart conditions such as irregular heart beat, heart failure, or a history of heart attacks use this medication cautiously and only under medical supervision.
History of Bone Conditions
Inhaled corticosteroids may reduce bone mineral density over time. If you have or are at risk for bone conditions, inform your doctor before using this medicine.
Formoterol + Budesonide Interaction with Food Product
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice when taking budesonide as it can increase the medication levels in the blood and potentially cause side effects. Additionally, caffeine intake should be avoided, as it can enhance the effects of formoterol on heart rate and blood pressure.
Formoterol + Budesonide Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Formoterol + Budesonide with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Formoterol + Budesonide Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
Formoterol: N-[2-hydroxy-5-[1-hydroxy-2-[1-(4-methoxyphenyl)propan-2-ylamino]ethyl]phenyl]formamide
Budesonide: 11β,21-Dihydroxy-16α,17α-[butane-1,1-diylbis(oxy)]pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Formoterol + Budesonide exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
Don’t take formoterol + budesonide more than 8 inhalations a day. Overdosing may cause tremors, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, and high blood pressure. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
FAQ’s
What are the uses of budesonide and formoterol inhaler?
Budesonide and formoterol inhaler is used for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It helps reduce airway inflammation and keeps the airways open, making breathing easier.
How to Use budesonide/formoterol Inhaler?
To use an inhaler, first shake it well and remove the cap while holding it upright. Breathe out fully, then place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it. Press the inhaler while breathing in slowly and deeply. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly. If you need a second puff, repeat the process. Afterwards, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out, then replace the cap and store the inhaler in a dry place.
Is budesonide/formoterol inhaler used for asthma?
Yes, budesonide/formoterol inhaler is used for the long-term control of asthma. It helps reduce airway inflammation and keeps the airways open, making breathing easier and preventing asthma symptoms.
What is budesonide/formoterol Dose in Children?
Age 6 to 11 years: 1 puff twice a day (100 mcg budesonide + 6 mcg formoterol), Age 12 and above: 1 puff twice a day (200 mcg budesonide + 6 mcg formoterol), or as the doctor advises.
How many puffs of budesonide/formoterol inhaler should be taken?
Usually, 1 puff twice a day is prescribed, but the exact number of puffs depends on the patient’s age and condition. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Can budesonide/formoterol inhaler be used during pregnancy?
As its safety in pregnancy is not fully known, use of budesonide/formoterol during pregnancy should only be done if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor.
Reference
- Budesonide And Formoterol (Inhalation Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from
- Budesonide/Formoterol (Breyna, Symbicort): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD [Internet]. Webmd.com. 2024 [cited 2025 Jul 22]. Available from
- PubChem. Formoterol [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2025. Available from
- PubChem. Budesonide [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2024. Available from
- Budesonide / Formoterol Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.