Description
Same active ingredient (budesonide/formoterol) as Symbicort®, the US brand. Foracort Rotacaps 200 mcg is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India. Compare all Generic Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) options.
About Foracort Rotacaps 200 mcg
Foracort Rotacaps 200 mcg are prescription inhalation capsules containing budesonide 200 mcg and formoterol fumarate 6 mcg of dry powder per capsule, made by Cipla Limited, used as twice-daily maintenance treatment for asthma and COPD. Each capsule is loaded into a breath-activated device such as a Revolizer or Rotahaler and inhaled, never swallowed. It is the mid strength of the Rotacaps range and a common choice for adults whose asthma is not controlled on a steroid alone.
Key facts
| Per capsule | Budesonide 200 mcg + formoterol 6 mcg |
|---|---|
| Device | Revolizer, Rotahaler or a similar capsule inhaler |
| Asthma dose | 1–2 capsules twice daily |
| COPD dose | 2 capsules twice daily |
| Onset | Formoterol acts within minutes |
| Carrier | Usually lactose powder |
How does it work?
Budesonide acts on the lining of the airways, reducing the swelling, excess mucus and twitchiness that cause coughing and wheeze. Formoterol stimulates beta-2 receptors on the airway muscle so it relaxes and stays relaxed for about half a day. In COPD, the pairing eases breathlessness and helps cut the number of flare-ups in people prone to them.
How to take Foracort Rotacaps 200 mcg
Load one capsule, close the device to open the shell, breathe out away from the mouthpiece, then take one fast, deep breath in through it and hold for several seconds. If a second capsule is prescribed, repeat the steps with a fresh capsule. Space the morning and evening doses about 12 hours apart, and rinse and spit each time. For asthma, some doctors use this strength as a maintenance and reliever plan; follow such a plan only if it has been set out for you in writing.
Troubleshooting the device
- Powder left in the capsule: the breath was too slow or the shell was not opened properly, so inhale again more forcefully.
- Coughing on inhalation: breathe in smoothly but quickly rather than in a sudden gasp, and sip water afterward.
- Capsule will not pierce or split: it may be damp or crushed; use a new one.
- Cleaning: wipe the device with a dry tissue; if you wash it, let it dry completely before loading a capsule.
- Replacement: capsule devices wear out, so replace yours as its leaflet advises.
What to expect in the first weeks
Formoterol can make breathing feel easier from the first dose. The benefit of budesonide on night symptoms, reliever use and attacks builds over one to two weeks, and full control may take longer. Keep going even when you feel well, because stopping suddenly lets the inflammation return.
What are the side effects?
Throat irritation, a hoarse voice, oral thrush, headache, tremor and palpitations are the effects people notice most. Muscle cramps, sleep disturbance and mild nausea can also occur. People with COPD who use inhaled steroids have a slightly higher risk of pneumonia. Seek urgent care if wheezing increases straight after a dose, if your lips or tongue swell, or if you have chest pain or an irregular heartbeat.
Who should not use them?
Avoid these capsules if you are allergic to either medicine, and take particular care with heart rhythm disorders, severe high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, low potassium, glaucoma or a history of tuberculosis. Tell your doctor about beta-blockers, diuretics, theophylline, other LABA inhalers, and CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole or HIV boosters. Budesonide is the preferred inhaled steroid in pregnancy, but any change should be agreed with your doctor.
Pack sizes and storage
Available as 30, 60 or 90 capsules, from $10. At two capsules twice daily, a pack of 90 lasts about 22 days. Store in a cool, dry place below 86°F (30°C), in the original strip.
Frequently asked questions
Which strengths sit on either side?
Foracort Rotacaps 100 mcg is lower and Foracort Rotacaps 400 mcg is higher.
Is there a spray version?
Yes, Foracort Inhaler 200 mcg gives the same doses from a pressurized canister.
Where are other breathing medicines?
In the respiratory category.
This description is general guidance rather than medical advice. Foracort Rotacaps 200 mcg are a prescription medicine to be used as your doctor has instructed.
Helpful guides
- Foracort vs Symbicort: How These Budesonide/Formoterol Inhalers CompareForacort and Symbicort both combine budesonide with formoterol. Compare makers, strengths, devices, dosing, reliever (SMART) use and side effects.
- Asthma vs COPD: What’s the Difference? Causes, Tests and TreatmentAsthma often starts in childhood and its airway narrowing largely reverses with treatment, while COPD usually follows years of smoking and causes…
- Types of Asthma Inhalers: Relievers, Preventers and How to Use Them CorrectlyLearn the types of asthma inhalers (relievers, preventers and combination inhalers), how each one works, and step-by-step tips for correct inhaler technique.