Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg/inhalación

Barcode: 5000456021067 – Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg (Inhalation Powder)

This barcode corresponds to Symbicort Turbuhaler 160/4.5 mcg, a combination inhaler used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults and children (depending on the formulation). Below are key details:

Product Overview

• Active Ingredients:
  • Formoterol fumarate (long-acting β₂-agonist, LABA) – 4.5 mcg per inhalation.
  • Budesonide (inhaled corticosteroid, ICS) – 160 mcg per inhalation.
• Formulation: Dry powder for inhalation (Turbuhaler device).
• Manufacturer: Typically AstraZeneca (or a licensed generic manufacturer, as Symbicort is a patented product).
• Prescription Status: Prescription-only medication (not available over-the-counter).

Mechanism of Action

Symbicort combines:

1. Budesonide: Reduces airway inflammation (glucocorticoid effect).
2. Formoterol: Provides rapid bronchodilation (sympathomimetic effect), with a long duration of action (up to 12 hours).

This dual-action approach is standard for maintenance therapy in persistent asthma/COPD, not for acute relief (e.g., rescue inhalers like albuterol are used separately for symptoms).

Warnings & Concerns

1. Not for Acute Symptoms:

   • Formoterol provides rapid bronchodilation, but Symbicort is not a rescue inhaler. Patients should carry a short-acting β₂-agonist (SABA) (e.g., albuterol) for breakthrough symptoms.
   • Risk of paradoxical bronchospasm: If used incorrectly (e.g., during acute exacerbations), it may worsen breathing.

2. Increased Asthma-Related Death Risk:

   • LABA monotherapy (without ICS) has been linked to higher asthma mortality (per FDA/EMA warnings). Symbicort includes an ICS, mitigating this risk when used as directed.
   • Do not use Symbicort alone for asthma control without an ICS component (e.g., if misused as a standalone LABA).