Budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate

USDailyMed:Budesonide and formoterol AU:B3 R03AK07(WHO) AU:S4(Prescription only)UK:POM(Prescription only)US:℞-onlyEU:Rx-onlyIn general: ℞ (Prescription only) 150693-37-1N D09595 DTXSID80872449 Budesonide/formoterol, sold under the brand nameSymbicortamong others, is afixed-dose combinationmedication used in the management ofasthmaorchronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).It containsbudesonide, asteroid; andformoterol, along-acting β2-agonist(LABA).The productmonographdoes not support its use for sudden worsening or treatment of a‍‍‍‍‍‍​​​‍​​​​​​ctivebronchospasm.However, a 2020 review of the literature does support such use.It is used bybreathing in the medication. Common (≥1/100 to <1/10) side effects includecandidiasis,headache,tremor,palpitations, throat irritation, coughing, anddysphonia.Pneumonia is a common side effect in people with COPD, and other, less common side effects have been documented.There were concerns that the LABA component increases the risk of death in children with asthma, however these concerns were removed in 2017.Therefore, this combination is only recommended in those who are not controlled on aninhaled steroidalone.There is tentative evidence that typical doses of inhaled steroids and LABAs are safe in pregnancy.Both formoterol and budesonide are excreted in breast-milk. Budesonide/formoterol was approved for medical use in the United States in 2006.It is on theWorld Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.It is available as ageneric medication.In 2023, it was the 74th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 9million prescriptions.