Symbicort
Symbicort contains an inhaled steroid (budesonide) and a long-acting bronchodilator (formoterol). In the UK it is used for asthma maintenance and, in some patients, as a maintenance-and-reliever (MART) regimen where specifically prescribed.
This medicine is part of the Asthma and COPD inhalers category.
Generic name: budesonide with formoterol
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Symbicort contains an inhaled steroid (budesonide) and a long-acting bronchodilator (formoterol).
How long does it take to work?
Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review.
What are common side effects?
Tremor, palpitations, hoarse voice, thrush, headache.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Symbicort with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Symbicort is used for
Symbicort contains an inhaled steroid (budesonide) and a long-acting bronchodilator (formoterol). In the UK it is used for asthma maintenance and, in some patients, as a maintenance-and-reliever (MART) regimen where specifically prescribed.
It is not interchangeable with other combination inhalers without a new prescription.
How does Symbicort work, and how long does it take to work?
The steroid reduces inflammation while formoterol keeps airways open for many hours.
MART protocols use the same inhaler for daily doses and symptom relief — only if your asthma nurse trained you in that plan.
How and when should you take Symbicort?
Follow your personal asthma action plan for daily puffs and maximum reliever puffs per day.
Rinse mouth after steroid-containing doses.
What are the common side effects of Symbicort?
Tremor, palpitations, hoarse voice, thrush, headache.
Serious side effects of Symbicort — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help if reliever use suddenly increases, peak flow drops, or you cannot complete sentences — these are emergency signs.
What if you miss a dose of Symbicort?
Resume regular preventer schedule; for MART plans, ask your nurse how to handle missed morning doses.
Who should not take Symbicort?
Severe milk protein allergy to lactose-containing dry powder devices in some products — check device type. Acute severe asthma should be managed in hospital.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Symbicort? — other interactions
Beta-blocker tablets can oppose bronchodilators — tell prescribers you have asthma.
Symbicort in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Asthma control medicines are usually continued — discuss with your GP or obstetric team.
Blood tests and monitoring on Symbicort
Asthma reviews, peak flow or symptom diaries, and inhaler technique checks.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Symbicort?
Seretide, Fostair, or separate steroid plus LABA inhalers may be used depending on formulary.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Symbicort
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Symbicort used for?
- Symbicort contains an inhaled steroid (budesonide) and a long-acting bronchodilator (formoterol). In the UK it is used for asthma maintenance and, in some patients, as a maintenance-and-reliever (MART) regimen where specifically prescribed.
- How long does Symbicort take to work?
- Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Symbicort with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Symbicort with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Symbicort?
- Tremor, palpitations, hoarse voice, thrush, headache. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Can Symbicort replace my blue inhaler?
- Only in specific MART plans agreed with your clinician — many people still carry a separate short-acting reliever; follow your written plan.
- Why heart racing after Symbicort?
- Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that can cause tremor and palpitations — report persistent symptoms to your GP or nurse.
Need personalised advice?
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Often used with
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