Description
Same active ingredient (budesonide/formoterol) as Symbicort®, the US brand. Foracort Rotacaps 400 mcg is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India. Compare all Generic Symbicort (Budesonide/Formoterol) options.
About Foracort Rotacaps 400 mcg
Foracort Rotacaps 400 mcg are prescription dry powder capsules containing budesonide 400 mcg and formoterol fumarate 6 mcg per capsule, made by Cipla Limited, used for moderate to severe asthma that needs a high inhaled steroid dose alongside a long-acting bronchodilator. They are inhaled through a capsule device such as the Revolizer, not swallowed. This strength has the highest steroid content of the standard Rotacaps, with the same formoterol dose as the 100 and 200 mcg capsules.
How does it work?
Budesonide switches down the inflammatory signals in the airway lining, which over time reduces swelling, mucus and the tendency of the airways to clamp down. Formoterol widens the airways within minutes and keeps them relaxed for roughly 12 hours. A higher steroid dose is chosen when inflammation is not controlled by medium doses, not to make the bronchodilator stronger.
How to take Foracort Rotacaps 400 mcg
- Adults usually take one capsule twice a day.
- For severe asthma some adults are prescribed two capsules twice daily, which provides 1,600 mcg of budesonide a day, the upper end of the usual range.
- Load one capsule at a time, breathe out first, then inhale quickly and deeply through the device and hold your breath briefly.
- Look inside the capsule afterward and repeat the breath if any powder is left.
- Rinse your mouth and spit after each dose.
- These capsules are not for as-needed use; keep your reliever inhaler with you.
Stepping up and stepping down
This strength is usually reached after lower doses, checked technique and trigger control have not been enough. Once asthma has stayed well controlled for about three months, your doctor will look at reducing the steroid, for example back to a 200 mcg capsule, because the aim is always the lowest dose that keeps you well. Never cut down or stop by yourself.
Long-term safety at high doses
- Bones: ask about calcium, vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise, particularly after menopause.
- Eyes: report blurred vision or eye pain; periodic eye checks look for cataract and glaucoma.
- Adrenal glands: during serious illness or surgery you may need extra steroid, so tell any treating clinician about your inhaler.
- Skin: thinning and easy bruising can appear with long-term high doses.
What are the side effects?
Local effects include hoarseness, oral thrush and cough after inhaling. Formoterol can bring on tremor, palpitations, headache and cramps, especially early on. Get urgent medical attention for tightening of the chest just after a dose, swelling of the face or throat, chest pain, a very rapid or irregular pulse, or an attack that your reliever does not control.
Who should not use them?
People allergic to budesonide or formoterol, and children, are generally not candidates for this strength. Use caution with heart disease, arrhythmias, thyroid overactivity, diabetes, low potassium, liver disease, osteoporosis, glaucoma or tuberculosis. Itraconazole, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir and cobicistat can push budesonide levels high enough to cause Cushing’s syndrome. Avoid additional LABAs and, where possible, beta-blockers. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding with your doctor.
Pack sizes and storage
Sold in packs of 30, 60 or 90 capsules, from $13. At one capsule twice daily, 30 capsules cover 15 days. Keep the strips dry and below 86°F (30°C), and remove each capsule only when you are ready to inhale it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference from Foracort Forte Rotacaps?
Foracort Forte Rotacaps are listed with the same budesonide dose but twice the formoterol.
Can I step down to a lower strength?
When your doctor agrees, often to Foracort Rotacaps 200 mcg.
Is there a spray with the same doses?
Yes, Foracort Inhaler 400 mcg. Browse more in the asthma category.
Provided for education only. Foracort Rotacaps 400 mcg are a prescription, high-dose treatment; do not change your dose without your doctor’s advice.
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.