Description
About Symbicort Turbohaler 160/4.5 mcg
Symbicort Turbohaler 160, from AstraZeneca, is a dry-powder inhaler that combines budesonide 160 mcg, an inhaled corticosteroid, with formoterol 4.5 mcg, a long-acting bronchodilator that also starts working within minutes. It is prescribed for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Two ways it can be prescribed for asthma
- Regular maintenance: a fixed dose, commonly one or two inhalations twice a day, with a separate reliever for symptoms.
- Maintenance and reliever therapy (MART): a single inhaler for both daily control and extra puffs when symptoms occur, following a written plan from your doctor. Do not use it this way unless you have been told to.
For COPD, the usual dose is two inhalations twice daily.
Using the Turbohaler
- Unscrew and lift off the cover.
- Hold the inhaler upright and twist the colored grip fully one way, then back until it clicks. It is now loaded.
- Breathe out away from the mouthpiece, then seal your lips around it and breathe in quickly and deeply.
- Hold your breath for about ten seconds, replace the cover and rinse your mouth.
You may not taste or feel the powder; that is normal. Never shake the Turbohaler or blow into it.
Pack sizes
Each Turbohaler contains 60 doses. Choose 1, 3 or 6 inhalers, from $20.
Side effects
Tremor, palpitations, headache, hoarseness, throat irritation and oral thrush are the most common. People with COPD using inhaled steroids have a slightly higher risk of pneumonia. Seek urgent help for sudden wheezing after use, swelling of the face or throat, or a severe asthma attack.
Cautions
Tell your doctor about heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, or low potassium levels. Beta-blockers may reduce formoterol’s effect, and some antifungal and HIV medicines raise budesonide levels.
Day-to-day tips
Load the Turbohaler only when you are ready to inhale, and always twist while holding it upright. If you are on maintenance and reliever therapy, keep a note of how many extra puffs you use; needing more than a few extra a day for two or three days means your asthma needs urgent review.
Storage
Keep the cover on, store below 86°F (30°C) and protect from moisture.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know how many doses are left?
Check the dose indicator window; when a red mark appears, about 20 doses remain.
Is Symbicort similar to other combinations?
It contains the same ingredients as Foracort Inhaler, which is a pressurized version.
Where can I read more?
See our guide to inhaler types, the asthma category and the COPD range.
General information only. Symbicort Turbohaler is a prescription medicine; always follow your personal asthma or COPD plan.
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.