Drug | Capsule

Maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD with airflow limitation and frequent symptoms; helps prevent wheezing and breathlessness

Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation and mucus production. Formoterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle to keep airways open. Together they improve control and reduce exacerbations when used regularly.

Use exactly as prescribed (maintenance inhaler). Inhale through the device as trained. Rinse mouth/gargle after use to reduce oral thrush. Not meant for sudden acute breathlessness; keep a reliever inhaler if prescribed.

Throat irritation, hoarseness, cough, oral thrush, headache, tremor, palpitations

Do not use as sole therapy for acute asthma attack. Risk of oral candidiasis—rinse mouth after use. Use with caution in diabetes, glaucoma/cataract, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, heart rhythm disorders, and untreated infections (including TB). Do not stop abruptly without medical advice.

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) increase budesonide levels, beta-blockers may reduce formoterol effect, other sympathomimetics, MAO inhibitors/TCAs (may increase cardiovascular effects), diuretics (hypokalemia risk)

Store below 25°C, away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep device dry and capped when not in use.

Foracort 400 Transhaler, Symbicort 400 Inhaler, Budamate 400 Inhaler (other device), Duolin/ICS-LABA equivalents with same strength, Budesonide/Formoterol 400/6 Inhaler (generic)