Symbicort 160/4.5

— THERAPEUTIC CATEGORIES —
  • Asthma/COPD

Symbicort 160/4.5 Generic Name & Formulations

General Description

Budesonide 160mcg, formoterol fumarate dihydrate 4.5mcg; per inh; pressurized metered-dose inhaler.

Pharmacological Class

Corticosteroid + long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA).

See Also

How Supplied

Inhaler—10.2g (120 inh)

Symbicort 160/4.5 Indications

Indications

Treatment of asthma in patients ≥6yrs old not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma control medication [eg, inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)] or whose disease warrants initiation of both an ICS and LABA. Maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. To reduce exacerbations of COPD.

Limitations of Use

Not for relief of acute bronchospasm.

Symbicort 160/4.5 Dosage and Administration

Adult

Allow approx.12hrs between doses. Asthma: Base initial dose on asthma severity. 2 inh of 80/4.5 or 160/4.5 twice daily (AM & PM). If insufficient response after 1–2 weeks using 80/4.5 strength, may switch to 160/4.5 strength. Max 2 inh of 160/4.5 twice daily. Titrate to lowest effective strength after adequate response. COPD: 2 inh of 160/4.5 twice daily. Rinse mouth after use.

Children

Allow approx. 12hrs between doses. Asthma: <6yrs: not established. 6–<12yrs: 2 inh of 80/4.5 twice daily (AM & PM). Rinse mouth after use. COPD: not indicated.

Symbicort 160/4.5 Contraindications

Contraindications

Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or acute attacks of asthma or COPD requiring intensive measures.

Symbicort 160/4.5 Boxed Warnings

Not Applicable

Symbicort 160/4.5 Warnings/Precautions

Warnings/Precautions

LABA monotherapy (without ICS) can increase risk of asthma-related events (death, hospitalizations, intubations). Do not initiate in rapidly or acutely deteriorating COPD or asthma. Not for use with other long-acting β2-agonists. Do not exceed recommended dose. Prescribe a short-acting, inhaled β2-agonist for acute symptoms; monitor for increased need. Monitor for signs/symptoms of pneumonia. Immunosuppressed. Tuberculosis. Systemic infections. Ocular herpes simplex. If exposed to chickenpox or measles, consider immune globulin prophylaxis or antiviral ­treatment. Monitor for adrenal insufficiency when transferring from systemic steroids. May need supplemental systemic corticosteroids during periods of stress, a severe COPD exacerbation, or a severe asthma attack. May unmask previously suppressed allergic conditions. Reevaluate periodically. Monitor for hypercorticism and HPA axis suppression (if occurs, discontinue gradually), growth in children, intraocular pressure, glaucoma, or cataracts. Discontinue if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs; use alternative therapy. Cardiovascular disease (esp. coronary insufficiency, arrhythmias, hypertension). Eosinophilic conditions. Convulsive disorders. Thyrotoxicosis. Hyperresponsiveness to sympathomimetics. Diabetes. Ketoacidosis. Hypokalemia. Hyperglycemia. Hepatic impairment; monitor. Assess bone mineral density if risk factors exist (eg, osteoporosis, postmenopausal). Labor & delivery. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.

Symbicort 160/4.5 Pharmacokinetics

See Literature

Symbicort 160/4.5 Interactions

Interactions

Caution with concomitant strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, ketoconazole, ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, telithromycin), during or within 2 weeks of discontinuing MAOIs or tricyclic antidepressants, β-blockers (consider cardioselective), K+-depleting diuretics.

Symbicort 160/4.5 Adverse Reactions

Adverse Reactions

Nasopharyngitis, pharyngolaryngeal pain, sinusitis, nasal congestion, oral candidiasis, headache, upper respiratory infection, flu, back pain, stomach discomfort, vomiting; hypersensitivity reactions. COPD: also bronchitis.

Symbicort 160/4.5 Clinical Trials

See Literature

Symbicort 160/4.5 Note

Not Applicable

Symbicort 160/4.5 Patient Counseling

See Literature

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