Symbicort
Also known as: Budesonide/Formoterol, DuoResp
What it's for
Symbicort combines a preventer steroid (budesonide) and a long-acting reliever (formoterol) for asthma and COPD. It can be used as maintenance and for relief.
Comes as: Inhaler
How to take it
- Maintenance: Usually 1 or 2 puffs once or twice daily.
- Some people can use extra puffs for relief (MART regimen).
- Maximum usually 8 puffs per day - check with your doctor.
- Rinse your mouth after use.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Oral thrush
- Hoarse voice
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat or tremor (from the formoterol)
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Rinse your mouth after each use
- Do not exceed the maximum daily dose
- Keep your blue reliever for emergencies even if using MART
- Tell your doctor if symptoms are not controlled
Get medical help urgently if…
- Your symptoms are getting worse despite regular use
- You need your inhaler more than usual
- You have chest pain or a very fast heartbeat
- You have difficulty speaking due to breathlessness
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.