Formoterol 6 mcg + Budesonide 200 mcg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Formoterol + Budesonide Uses 

Formoterol + budesonide is a pulmonary medicine belonging to the class of inhaled corticosteroid. Used to prevent and treat symptoms conditions like:

1. Bronchial asthma 
2. Wet cough in conditions like COPD 
3. Inflammation in lungs resulting in wet cough 
4. Emphysema (damaged lung air sacs)       

Directions for use

1. Make sure your rota haler is clean and dry. 
2. Hold it straight with the mouthpiece facing down. 
3. Open the rotahaler by twisting it into two parts. 
4. Put one rotacap in the bottom part (don’t swallow it). 
5. Close and twist until you hear a click this breaks the capsule. 
6. Breathe out gently (away from the device). 
7. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and breathe in deeply and quickly. 
8. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe out slowly. 
9. Check the capsule. If powder is left, breathe in again. 
10. Throw away the empty capsule. 
11. Rinse your mouth after use (especially if your rotacap has a steroid). 

Formoterol + Budesonide side effects 

More Common  

1. Infection in the nose or throat, flu, or common cold symptoms 
2. Sore throat or mouth pain 
3. Headache 
4. Back pain 
5. Infection or swelling in the lungs or sinuses 
6. Stomach pain 
7. Vomiting 
8. Oral thrush    

Less Common

1. Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat 
2. Trouble swallowing or throat tightness 
3. Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives 
4. Nausea or vomiting 
5. Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting 
6. Stomach cramps 
7. 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 and formoterol is a combination medicine, where budesonide, helps in reducing inflammation and swelling in the lungs, and formoterol, relaxes the muscles around the airways. Together, they help improve airflow and make breathing easier. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy or hypersensitivity

Avoid if you have ever had an allergic reaction to formoterol or budesonide as it may increase the medication’s levels in the blood and potentially cause side effects. Inform your doctor before they prescribe this medicine. 

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 diseases

Inform your doctor if you have liver disease in the past. The doctor will decide whether this medicine is safe for you and adjust or avoid it if needed, as it may affect liver function. 

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 (Glaucoma or Cataracts)

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 a history of heart conditions such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or 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

It is not recommended to take formoterol + budesonide more than 8 inhalations a day. Overdose 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

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

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 if you’re suffering with conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, glaucoma, osteoporosis, or seizures. In case of overdose (more than 8 inhalations per day), 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. 

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 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 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 

1. Budesonide And Formoterol (Inhalation Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from 
2. Budesonide/Formoterol (Breyna, Symbicort): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD [Internet]. Webmd.com. 2024 [cited 2025 Jul 22]. Available from 
3. PubChem. Formoterol [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2025. Available from 
4. PubChem. Budesonide [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2024. Available from 
5. Budesonide / Formoterol Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from   

Pranathi Chintaluri

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.