Description
Same active ingredient (budesonide/formoterol) as Symbicort®, the US brand. Foracort Rotacaps 100 mcg is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India. Compare all Generic Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) options.
About Foracort Rotacaps 100 mcg
Foracort Rotacaps 100 mcg are prescription dry powder inhalation capsules containing budesonide 100 mcg and formoterol fumarate 6 mcg per capsule, made by Cipla Limited, used to keep asthma under control day to day. They are not swallowed. Each capsule goes into a capsule inhaler such as Cipla’s Revolizer or Rotahaler, which opens it so the powder can be breathed in. This is the lowest Rotacaps strength, suited to mild to moderate asthma or to stepping down treatment.
How do they work?
The budesonide in each capsule is an inhaled steroid that steadily reduces airway inflammation, so the breathing tubes become less sensitive to triggers such as colds, pollen and exercise. The formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that opens the airways within minutes and holds them open for around 12 hours. Used together twice daily, they reduce symptoms, night waking and asthma attacks.
Why choose a capsule inhaler?
Capsule devices are breath-activated: the powder only moves when you inhale, so there is no need to time a press with your breath, and there is no propellant gas. You can also look at the empty capsule to confirm you took the whole dose. The trade-off is that you must be able to breathe in quickly and deeply, which young children and anyone in the middle of a bad attack may not manage.
How to use Foracort Rotacaps
- With dry hands, take one capsule from the strip just before use.
- Open the device, drop the capsule into the chamber, then close it to pierce or split the shell.
- Breathe out away from the mouthpiece; never blow into the device.
- Seal your lips around the mouthpiece and breathe in fast and deep. You may hear the capsule rattle.
- Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
- Check the capsule; if powder remains, inhale again. Throw the empty shell away and rinse your mouth.
The usual dose is one or two capsules twice a day, as prescribed. Children aged 6 and over may use this strength if they can inhale forcefully enough and a doctor has checked their technique.
What are the side effects?
- A brief cough or throat tickle as the powder is inhaled.
- Hoarseness, sore throat and oral thrush, all made less likely by rinsing after each dose.
- Tremor, headache or a quicker heartbeat from formoterol, usually settling within days.
- Small pieces of capsule shell occasionally reach the mouth; this is not harmful, but mention it to your pharmacist if it keeps happening.
Seek medical help urgently for wheeze or breathlessness that worsens right after inhaling, an allergic reaction with swelling or rash, chest pain, or an attack that your reliever does not ease.
Precautions
Do not use these capsules if you are allergic to budesonide or formoterol. The powder usually contains lactose as a carrier, so people with a severe milk protein allergy should check with a pharmacist first. Let your doctor know about heart problems, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, low potassium, eye pressure problems or tuberculosis. Beta-blocker tablets and eye drops, other long-acting bronchodilators and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole or ritonavir can interact. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, keep your asthma controlled and review treatment with your doctor.
Pack sizes and storage
Packs of 30, 60 or 90 capsules, from $8. At one capsule twice a day, 60 capsules last a month. Keep capsules in their strip until the moment of use, store them below 86°F (30°C) in a dry place, and never leave a capsule sitting in the device, as moisture spoils the powder.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same medicine as Foracort Inhaler 100 mcg?
Yes, the doses match; Foracort Inhaler 100 mcg is the pressurized spray version.
What comes next if I need a higher dose?
Usually Foracort Rotacaps 200 mcg.
Is there a steroid-only capsule?
Yes, Budecort Rotacap 100 mcg contains budesonide without formoterol. Compare devices in our inhaler types guide.
Information only, not a substitute for professional advice. Foracort Rotacaps 100 mcg require a prescription; ask your pharmacist to check your inhaler technique.
Helpful guides
- 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…
- 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.
- 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.