Symbicort is a combined inhaler of budesonide (a steroid) and formoterol (a fast-acting bronchodilator). You use it to control asthma long-term and to treat COPD symptoms. It helps reduce inflammation and relax airway muscles so breathing gets easier. If your doctor prescribed Symbicort, this page gives clear, practical tips on using it right and staying safe.
The steroid part lowers swelling inside your airways. The formoterol opens the airways quickly, so you feel relief faster than with many other controller inhalers. Use Symbicort regularly exactly as your doctor tells you. It’s not a rescue-only inhaler for sudden, severe attacks unless your doctor specifically says otherwise.
Common dosing is two puffs twice daily for many adults, but your dose might differ. Focus on technique: shake the inhaler, breathe out fully, put the mouthpiece in, press and inhale slowly, then hold your breath 5–10 seconds. Rinse your mouth after each use to lower thrush risk.
Side effects can include throat irritation, hoarseness, oral thrush, headache, shakiness, and a faster heart rate. Serious reactions are rare but possible. Call your doctor if you notice worsening breathing, chest pain, severe tremors, or signs of infection. Do not stop suddenly—your doctor will advise how to taper if needed.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have heart problems, tell your doctor before starting Symbicort. Also review other meds you take—some drugs change how formoterol works. Always keep an up-to-date allergy and medication list with you.
Need a rescue inhaler too? Many people use a short-acting beta-agonist (like albuterol/ProAir) for sudden attacks while staying on Symbicort for control. Talk to your clinician about an action plan that includes when to use each inhaler.
Worried about costs or buying online? Read guides on buying inhalers safely and comparing pharmacy discounts. Some of our articles cover safe online pharmacy choices and ways to cut prescription costs legally and smartly.
Looking for alternatives or step-up therapy? There are other inhaler combos, steroid options, and non-drug strategies that might fit better for you. Check out articles on inhaler alternatives and steroid uses to compare pros and cons before asking your doctor to switch.
Quick checklist before you leave the pharmacy: check the expiration date, make sure the dose counter (if any) works, get a spacer if you struggle with coordination, and ask for a demo on correct inhaler technique. Small changes improve how well Symbicort works.
Questions for your doctor: How many puffs per day? Is this my rescue or controller inhaler? What side effects should I expect? When should I call or come in? Keep these handy at your next visit.
If you want step-by-step buying tips, safety checks, or a plain-language comparison with other inhalers, explore related posts on this site. Use Symbicort as prescribed, watch for side effects, and stay in touch with your healthcare team.
See how Breo and Symbicort stack up head-to-head: side effects, costs, insurance, dosages, and clinical results—all in one straightforward chart.