Generic Symbicort (Foracort Inhaler) – Product Information
Generic Symbicort (Foracort Inhaler, manufactured by Cipla) is a combination of two medicines Formoterol Fumarate and Budesonide.
Budesonide is a glucocorticoid steroid that reduces inflammation. Formoterol Fumarate is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways of the lungs to improve breathing. Generic Symbicort Inhaler is used treat asthma in patients 12 years of age and older. It is also used for maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Generic Symbicort (Foracort Inhaler) - Contraindications
Generic Symbicort (Foracort Inhaler) is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to Formoterol Fumarate, Budesonide or any inactive ingredient present in Foracort Inhaler. It is also contraindicated for primary treatment of status asthmaticus or acute episodes of asthma or COPD requiring intensive measures.
Generic Symbicort (Foracort Inhaler) - Dosage
Foracort Inhaler comes as an inhaler in 100mcg, 200mcg and 400mcg dosage forms. Each dose of Foracort 100 Inhaler delivers Formoterol Fumarate 6mcg and Budesonide 100 mcg, Foracort 200 Inhaler delivers Formoterol Fumarate 6 mcg and Budesonide 200 mcg, Foracort 400 Inhaler delivers Formoterol Fumarate 6 mcg and Budesonide 400 mcg.
The recommended adult Oral dosage of Generic for adults is given below:
For Asthma:
The recommended dosage for patients 18 years and older is 1-2 inhalations of Foracort 100 (Formoterol Fumarate 6mcg + Budesonide 100 mcg) twice daily with a maximum of 4 inhalations twice daily.
Generic Symbicort (Foracort Inhaler) - Warnings and Precautions
The following precautions are to be observed when undergoing treatment using Generic Symbicort inhaler:
- Treatment with Foracort inhaler should not be initiated to treat a severe exacerbation or if patients have significantly worsening or acutely deteriorating asthma.
- The lowest effective dose of Generic Symbicort inhaler should be used.
- Patients should be reminded to take their Foracort maintenance dose as prescribed, even when asymptomatic.
- Once asthma symptoms are controlled, consideration may be given to stepping down treatment with Generic Symbicort inhaler.
- When long-term treatment with Generic Symbicort inhaler is to be discontinued, the dose should be tapered.
Side Effects of Generic Symbicort (Foracort Inhaler)
The possible side effects reported in patients treated with Generic Symbicort inhaler are listed below:
Common:
Palpitations, candida infection in the oropharynx, headache, tremor, mild irritation in the throat, coughing, hoarseness.
Uncommon:
Tachycardia, nausea, bruises, muscle cramps, dizziness, agitation, restlessness, nervousness, sleep disturbances.
Rare:
Cardiac arrhythmias, e.g. atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles. Immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions, e.g. dermatitis, exanthema, urticaria, pruritus and angioedema. Bronchospasm, hypokalaemia.
Very rare:
Angina pectoris, signs and symptoms of systemic glucocorticosteroid effects, e.g. hypofunction of the adrenal gland, growth retardation, decrease in bone mineral density. Hyperglycaemia, depression, behavioural disturbances, taste disturbances, cataract, glaucoma.
Generic Symbicort (Foracort Inhaler) - More Details
For more details please read the Prescription Information or watch the presentation below:
