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SYMBICORT

Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate · Aerosol

Prescription NDA TE AB RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
SYMBICORT
Generic name
Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Dihydrate
Dosage form
Aerosol
Route
Respiratory (Inhalation)
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
A-S Medication Solutions
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
3
NDC product codes
7
Packages
9
Data completeness
82% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Budesonide 160 ug/1 1797929 View
Budesonide 80 ug/1 1797929 View
Formoterol Fumarate 4.5 ug/1 1246319 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Aerosol
Route of administration
Respiratory (Inhalation)
Presentations
16

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Adrenergic beta2-Agonists [MoA] MoA All 37 members
Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists [MoA] MoA All 215 members
Corticosteroid [EPC] EPC All 215 members
beta2-Adrenergic Agonist [EPC] EPC All 37 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
021929
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
July 21, 2006
Sponsor
ASTRAZENECA
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
19
Products approved under application 021929.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
021929-001 SYMBICORT AEROSOL, METERED BUDESONIDE; FORMOTEROL FUMARATE DIHYDRATE Prescription AB RLD RS
021929-002 SYMBICORT AEROSOL, METERED BUDESONIDE; FORMOTEROL FUMARATE DIHYDRATE Prescription AB RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 021929.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 42 Efficacy Approved December 20, 2017 Standard
Supplement 41 Efficacy Approved September 11, 2017 Standard
Supplement 13 Efficacy Approved January 27, 2017 Unknown
Supplement 40 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 10, 2016 Standard
Supplement 38 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 14, 2015 Standard
Supplement 39 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 28, 2014 Standard
Supplement 37 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 4, 2014 Standard
Supplement 36 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 27, 2014 Standard
Supplement 35 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 15, 2014 Standard
Supplement 33 REMS Approved July 23, 2012 N/A
Supplement 30 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 8, 2012 N/A
Supplement 28 REMS Approved August 18, 2011 N/A
Supplement 19 REMS Approved February 16, 2011 N/A
Supplement 21 Labeling Approved June 25, 2010 901 Order
Supplement 12 Efficacy Approved February 27, 2009 Standard
Supplement 10 Labeling Approved July 16, 2008 Standard
Supplement 4 Labeling Approved October 31, 2007 Standard
Supplement 6 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 26, 2007 Standard
Original application 1 Type 4 - New Combination Approved July 21, 2006 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · December 27, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · December 21, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · September 15, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · September 12, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · January 31, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · January 27, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · October 19, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · March 9, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · July 25, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · April 6, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · March 2, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · August 22, 2011
  • 0 · Supplement · May 5, 2011
  • 0 · Supplement · February 18, 2011
  • 0 · Supplement · January 28, 2011
  • 0 · Supplement · June 29, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · June 28, 2010
  • 0 · Supplement · April 3, 2009
  • 0 · Supplement · March 3, 2009
  • 0 · Original application · October 30, 2008
  • 0 · Supplement · July 17, 2008
  • 0 · Supplement · July 16, 2008
  • 0 · Supplement · November 8, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · November 8, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · November 7, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · November 7, 2007
  • 0 · Original application · February 21, 2007
  • 0 · Original application · July 21, 2006
  • 0 · Original application · July 21, 2006
  • 0 · Supplement · January 1, 1900

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260312). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260312 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20241022 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20190724

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SYMBICORT is a combination product containing a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta 2 -adrenergic agonist indicated for: • Treatment of asthma in patients 6 years of age and older. ( 1.1 ) • Maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction and reducing exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. ( 1.2 ) Important limitations: • Not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. ( 1.1 , 1.2 ) 1.1 Treatment of Asthma SYMBICORT is indicated for the treatment of asthma in patients 6 years of age and older. SYMBICORT should be used for patients not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma-control medication such as an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or whose disease warrants initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). Important Limitations of Use: • SYMBICORT is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. 1.2 Maintenance Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease SYMBICORT 160/4.5 is indicated for the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. SYMBICORT 160/4.5 is also indicated to reduce exacerbations of COPD. SYMBICORT 160/4.5 is the only strength indicated for the treatment of COPD. Important Limitations of Use: • SYMBICORT is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For oral inhalation only. • Treatment of asthma in patients 12 years and older: 2 inhalations of SYMBICORT 80/4.5 or 160/4.5 twice daily. Starting dosage is based on asthma severity. ( 2.2 ) • Treatment of asthma in patients aged 6 to less than 12 years: 2 inhalations of SYMBICORT 80/4.5 twice daily. ( 2.2 ) • Maintenance treatment in COPD: 2 inhalations of SYMBICORT 160/4.5 twice daily. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Administration Information SYMBICORT should be administered as 2 inhalations twice daily (morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart), every day by the orally inhaled route only. After inhalation, the patient should rinse the mouth with water without swallowing. Prime SYMBICORT before using for the first time by releasing two test sprays into the air away from the face, shaking well for 5 seconds before each spray. In cases where the inhaler has not been used for more than 7 days or when it has been dropped, prime the inhaler again by shaking well before each spray and releasing two test sprays into the air away from the face. More frequent administration or a higher number of inhalations (more than 2 inhalations twice daily) of the prescribed strength of SYMBICORT is not recommended as some patients are more likely to experience adverse effects with higher doses of formoterol. Patients using SYMBICORT should not use additional LABA for any reason [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.12 ) ]. 2.2 Asthma If asthma symptoms arise in the period between doses, an inhaled, short-acting beta 2 -agonist should be taken for immediate relief. Adult and Adolescent Patients 12 Years of Age and Older For patients 12 years of age and older, the dosage is 2 inhalations of SYMBICORT 80/4.5 or SYMBICORT 160/4.5 twice daily. The recommended starting dosages for SYMBICORT for patients 12 years of age and older are based upon patients' asthma severity or level of control of asthma symptoms, and risk of exacerbations on current inhaled corticosteroids. The maximum recommended dosage in adult and adolescent patients 12 years and older is SYMBICORT 160/4.5, two inhalations twice daily. Improvement in asthma control following inhaled administration of SYMBICORT can occur within 15 minutes of beginning treatment, although maximum benefit may not be achieved for 2 weeks or longer after beginning treatment. Individual patients will experience a variable time to onset and degree of symptom relief. For patients who do not respond adequately to the starting dose after 1-2 weeks of therapy with SYMBICORT 80/4.5, replacement with SYMBICORT 160/4.5 may provide additional asthma control. If a previously effective dosage regimen of SYMBICORT fails to provide adequate control of asthma, the therapeutic regimen should be re-evaluated and additional therapeutic options, (e.g., replacing the lower strength of SYMBICORT with the higher strength, adding additional inhaled corticosteroid, or initiating oral corticosteroids) should be considered. Pediatric Patients Aged 6 to Less than 12 Years For patients 6 to less than 12 years of age, the dosage is 2 inhalations of SYMBICORT 80/4.5 twice daily. 2.3 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease For patients with COPD the recommended dose is SYMBICORT 160/4.5, two inhalations twice daily. If shortness of breath occurs in the period between doses, an inhaled, short-acting beta 2 -agonist should be taken for immediate relief.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS SYMBICORT is available as a metered-dose inhaler containing a combination of budesonide (80 or 160 mcg) and formoterol (4.5 mcg) as an inhalation aerosol in the following two strengths: 80/4.5 and 160/4.5. Each dosage strength contains 60 or 120 actuations per/canister. Each strength of SYMBICORT is supplied with a red plastic actuator with a gray dust cap. Metered-dose inhaler containing a combination of budesonide (80 or 160 mcg) and formoterol (4.5 mcg) as an inhalation aerosol. (3)

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of SYMBICORT is contraindicated in the following conditions: • Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma or COPD where intensive measures are required. • Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in SYMBICORT. • Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or acute episodes of asthma or COPD requiring intensive measures. ( 4 ) • Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in SYMBICORT. ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serious asthma-related events: Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists as monotherapy increase the risk. (5.1) Deterioration of disease and acute episodes: Do not initiate in acutely deteriorating asthma or COPD or to treat acute symptoms. ( 5.2 ) Use with additional long-acting beta 2 -agonist: Do not use in combination because of risk of overdose. ( 5.3 ) Localized infections: Candida albicans infection of the mouth and throat may occur. Monitor patients periodically for signs of adverse effects on the oral cavity. Advise the patient to rinse his/her mouth with water without swallowing after inhalation to help reduce the risk. ( 5.4 ) Pneumonia: Increased risk in patients with COPD. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonia and other potential lung infections. ( 5.5 ) Immunosuppression: Potential worsening of infections (e.g., existing tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection; or ocular herpes simplex). Use with caution in patients with these infections. More serious or even fatal course of chickenpox or measles can occur in susceptible patients. ( 5.6 ) Transferring patients from systemic corticosteroids: Risk of impaired adrenal function when transferring from oral steroids. Taper patients slowly from systemic corticosteroids if transferring to SYMBICORT. ( 5.7 ) Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression: May occur with very high dosages or at the regular dosage in susceptible individuals. If such changes occur, discontinue SYMBICORT slowly. ( 5.8 ) Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): Risk of increased systemic corticosteroid effects. Exercise caution when used with SYMBICORT. ( 5.9 ) Paradoxical bronchospasm: Discontinue SYMBICORT and institute alternative therapy if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs. ( 5.10 ) Patients with cardiovascular or central nervous system disorders: Use with caution because of beta-adrenergic stimulation. ( 5.12 ) Decreases in bone mineral density: Assess bone mineral density initially and periodically thereafter. (5.13) Effects on growth: Monitor growth of pediatric patients. ( 5.14 ) Glaucoma and cataracts: Close monitoring is warranted. ( 5.15 ) Metabolic effects: Be alert to eosinophilic conditions, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia. ( 5.16 , 5.18 ) Coexisting conditions: Use with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, and ketoacidosis. ( 5.17 ) 5.1 Serious Asthma-Related Events – Hospitalizations, Intubations and Death Use of LABA as monotherapy (without ICS) for asthma is associated with an increased risk of asthma-related death [see Salmeterol Multicenter Asthma Research Trial (SMART)]. Available data from controlled clinical trials also suggest that use of LABA as monotherapy increases the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. These findings are considered a class effect of LABA. When LABA are used in fixed-dose combination with ICS, data from large clinical trials do not show a significant increase in the risk of serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death) compared to ICS alone (see Serious Asthma-Related Events with ICS/LABA). Serious Asthma-Related Events with ICS/LABA Four large, 26-week, randomized, blinded, active-controlled clinical safety trials were conducted to evaluate the risk of serious asthma-related events when LABA were used in fixed-dose combination with ICS compared to ICS alone in patients with asthma. Three trials included adult and adolescent patients aged ≥12 years: one trial compared budesonide/formoterol (SYMBICORT) to budesonide [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] ; one trial compared fluticasone propionate/salmeterol inhalation powder to fluticasone propionate inhalation powder; and one trial compared mometasone furoate/formoterol to mometasone furoate. The fourth trial included pediatric patients 4 to 11 years of age and compared fluticasone propionate/salmeterol inhalation powder to fluticas …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS LABA use may result in the following: Serious asthma-related events – hospitalizations, intubations, death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Cardiovascular and central nervous system effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ]. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroid use may result in the following: Candida albicans infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Pneumonia or lower respiratory tract infections in patients with COPD [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Immunosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Hypercorticism and adrenal suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Growth effects in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Glaucoma and cataracts [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15) ] Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 3%) are: Asthma: nasopharyngitis, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngolaryngeal pain, sinusitis, influenza, back pain, nasal congestion, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and oral candidiasis. ( 6.1 ) COPD: nasopharyngitis, oral candidiasis, bronchitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections. ( 6.2 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience in Asthma Adult and Adolescent Patients 12 Years of Age and Older The overall safety data in adults and adolescents are based upon 10 active- and placebo-controlled clinical trials in which 3393 patients ages 12 years and older (2052 females and 1341 males) with asthma of varying severity were treated with SYMBICORT 80/4.5 or 160/4.5 taken 2 inhalations once or twice daily for 12 to 52 weeks. In these trials, the patients on SYMBICORT had a mean age of 38 years and were predominantly Caucasian (82%). The incidence of common adverse events in Table 2 below is based upon pooled data from three 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies in which 401 adult and adolescent patients (148 males and 253 females) age 12 years and older were treated with 2 inhalations of SYMBICORT 80/4.5 or SYMBICORT 160/4.5 twice daily. The SYMBICORT group was composed of mostly Caucasian (84%) patients with a mean age of 38 years, and a mean percent predicted FEV 1 at baseline of 76 and 68 for the 80/4.5 mcg and 160/4.5 mcg treatment groups, respectively. Control arms for comparison included 2 inhalations of budesonide HFA metered dose inhaler (MDI) 80 or 160 mcg, formoterol dry powder inhaler (DPI) 4.5 mcg, or placebo (MDI and DPI) twice daily. Table 2 includes all adverse events that occurred at an incidence of > 3% in any one SYMBICORT group and more commonly than in the placebo group with twice-daily dosing. In considering these data, the increased average duration of patient exposure for SYMBICORT patients should be taken into account, as incidences are not adjusted for an imbalance of treatment duration. Table 2 Adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of ≥ 3% and more commonly than placebo in the SYMBICORT groups: pooled data from three 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical asthma trials in patients 12 years and older Treatment All treatments were administered as 2 inhalations twice daily. SYMBICORT Budesonide Formoterol Placebo Adverse Event 80/4.5 N = 277 % 160/4.5 N = 124 % 80 mcg N = 121 % 160 mcg N = 109 % 4.5 mcg N = 237 % N = 400 % Nasopharyngitis 10.5 9.7 14.0 11.0 10.1 9.0 Headache 6.5 11.3 11.6 12.8 8.9 6.5 Upper respiratory tract infection 7.6 10.5 8.3 9.2 7.6 7.8 Pharyngolaryngeal pain 6.1 8.9 5.0 7.3 3.0 4.8 Sinusitis 5.8 4.8 5.8 2.8 6.3 4.8 Influenza 3.2 2.4 6.6 0.9 3.0 1.3 Back pain 3.2 1.6 2.5 5.5 2.1 0.8 Nasal congestion 2.5 3.2 2.5 3.7 1.3 1.0 Stomach discomfort 1.1 6.5 …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS In clinical studies, concurrent administration of SYMBICORT and other drugs, such as short-acting beta 2 -agonists, intranasal corticosteroids, and antihistamines/decongestants has not resulted in an increased frequency of adverse reactions. No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with SYMBICORT. • Strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): Use with caution. May cause increased systemic corticosteroid effects. (7.1) • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants: Use with extreme caution. May potentiate effect of formoterol on vascular system. (7.2) • Beta-blockers: Use with caution. May block bronchodilatory effects of beta-agonists and produce severe bronchospasm. (7.3) • Diuretics: Use with caution. Electrocardiographic changes and/or hypokalemia associated with non-potassium-sparing diuretics may worsen with concomitant beta-agonists. (7.4) 7.1 Inhibitors of Cytochrome P4503A4 The main route of metabolism of corticosteroids, including budesonide, a component of SYMBICORT, is via cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4 (CYP3A4). After oral administration of ketoconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4, the mean plasma concentration of orally administered budesonide increased. Concomitant administration of CYP3A4 may inhibit the metabolism of, and increase the systemic exposure to, budesonide. Caution should be exercised when considering the coadministration of SYMBICORT with long-term ketoconazole and other known strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, telithromycin) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] . 7.2 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors and Tricyclic Antidepressants SYMBICORT should be administered with caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, or within 2 weeks of discontinuation of such agents, because the action of formoterol, a component of SYMBICORT, on the vascular system may be potentiated by these agents. In clinical trials with SYMBICORT, a limited number of COPD and asthma patients received tricyclic antidepressants, and, therefore, no clinically meaningful conclusions on adverse events can be made. 7.3 Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blocking Agents Beta-blockers (including eye drops) may not only block the pulmonary effect of beta-agonists, such as formoterol, a component of SYMBICORT, but may produce severe bronchospasm in patients with asthma. Therefore, patients with asthma should not normally be treated with beta-blockers. However, under certain circumstances, there may be no acceptable alternatives to the use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents in patients with asthma. In this setting, cardioselective beta-blockers could be considered, although they should be administered with caution. 7.4 Diuretics The ECG changes and/or hypokalemia that may result from the administration of non-potassium-sparing diuretics (such as loop or thiazide diuretics) can be acutely worsened by beta-agonists, especially when the recommended dose of the beta-agonist is exceeded. Although the clinical significance of these effects is not known, caution is advised in the coadministration of SYMBICORT with non-potassium-sparing diuretics.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Hepatic impairment: Monitor patients for signs of increased drug exposure. (8.6) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of SYMBICORT or one of its individual components, formoterol fumarate, in pregnant women; however studies are available for the other component budesonide. In animal reproduction studies, SYMBICORT, administered by the inhalation route, was teratogenic, embryocidal, and reduced fetal weights in rats at less than the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose (MRHDID) on a mcg/m 2 basis. Budesonide alone, administered by the subcutaneous route, was teratogenic, embryocidal, and reduced fetal weights in rats and rabbits at less than the MRHDID, but these effects were not seen in rats that received inhaled doses up to 4 times the MRHDID. Studies of pregnant women have not shown that inhaled budesonide alone increases the risk of abnormalities when administered during pregnancy. Experience with oral corticosteroids suggests that rodents are more prone to teratogenic effects from corticosteroid exposure than humans. Formoterol fumarate alone, administered by the oral route, was teratogenic in rats and rabbits at 1600 and 65,000 times the MRHDID, respectively. Formoterol fumarate was also embryocidal, increased pup loss at birth and during lactation, and decreased pup weight in rats at 110 times the MRHDID. These adverse effects generally occurred at large multiples of the MRHDID when formoterol fumarate was administered by the oral route to achieve high systemic exposures. No teratogenic, embryocidal, or developmental effects were seen in rats that received inhalation doses up to 375 times the MRHDID. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage of the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal risk In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, there is an increased risk of several perinatal adverse outcomes such as preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in the neonate. Pregnant women with asthma should be closely monitored and medication adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal asthma control. Labor or Delivery There are no well-controlled human studies that have investigated the effects of SYMBICORT during labor and delivery. Because of the potential for beta-agonist interference with uterine contractility, use of SYMBICORT during labor should be restricted to those patients in whom the benefits clearly outweigh the risk. Data Human Data Studies of pregnant women have not shown that inhaled budesonide increases the risk of abnormalities when administered during pregnancy. The results from a large population-based prospective cohort epidemiological study reviewing data from three Swedish registries covering approximately 99% of the pregnancies from 1995-1997 (i.e., Swedish Medical Birth Registry; Registry of Congenital Malformations; Child Cardiology Registry) indicate no increased risk for congenital malformations from the use of inhaled budesonide during early pregnancy. Congenital malformations were studied in 2014 infants born to mothers reporting the use of inhaled budesonide for asthma in early pregnancy (usually 10-12 weeks after the last menstrual period), the period when most major organ malformations occur. The rate of recorded congenital malformations was similar compared to the general population rate (3.8% vs. 3.5%, respectively). In addition, after exposure to inhaled budesonide, the number of infants born with orofacial clefts was similar to the expected number in the normal population (4 children vs. 3.3, respectively). These same data were utilized in a second study bringing the total to 2534 infants w …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action SYMBICORT SYMBICORT contains both budesonide and formoterol; therefore, the mechanisms of action described below for the individual components apply to SYMBICORT. These drugs represent two classes of medications (a synthetic corticosteroid and a long-acting selective beta 2 -adrenoceptor agonist) that have different effects on clinical, physiological, and inflammatory indices of COPD and asthma. Budesonide Budesonide is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that exhibits potent glucocorticoid activity and weak mineralocorticoid activity. In standard in vitro and animal models, budesonide has approximately a 200-fold higher affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor and a 1000-fold higher topical anti-inflammatory potency than cortisol (rat croton oil ear edema assay). As a measure of systemic activity, budesonide is 40 times more potent than cortisol when administered subcutaneously and 25 times more potent when administered orally in the rat thymus involution assay. In glucocorticoid receptor affinity studies, the 22R form of budesonide was two times as active as the 22S epimer. In vitro studies indicated that the two forms of budesonide do not interconvert. Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of COPD and asthma. Corticosteroids have a wide range of inhibitory activities against multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and cytokines) involved in allergic and non–allergic-mediated inflammation. These anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids may contribute to their efficacy in COPD and asthma. Studies in asthmatic patients have shown a favorable ratio between topical anti-inflammatory activity and systemic corticosteroid effects over a wide range of doses of budesonide. This is explained by a combination of a relatively high local anti-inflammatory effect, extensive first pass hepatic degradation of orally absorbed drug (85%-95%), and the low potency of formed metabolites. Formoterol Formoterol fumarate is a long-acting selective beta 2 -adrenergic agonist (beta 2 -agonist) with a rapid onset of action. Inhaled formoterol fumarate acts locally in the lung as a bronchodilator. In vitro studies have shown that formoterol has more than 200-fold greater agonist activity at beta 2 -receptors than at beta 1 -receptors. The in vitro binding selectivity to beta 2 - over beta 1 -adrenoceptors is higher for formoterol than for albuterol (5 times), whereas salmeterol has a higher (3 times) beta 2 -selectivity ratio than formoterol. Although beta 2 -receptors are the predominant adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and beta 1 -receptors are the predominant receptors in the heart, there are also beta 2 -receptors in the human heart comprising 10% to 50% of the total beta-adrenergic receptors. The precise function of these receptors has not been established, but they raise the possibility that even highly selective beta 2 -agonists may have cardiac effects. The pharmacologic effects of beta 2 -adrenoceptor agonist drugs, including formoterol, are at least in part attributable to stimulation of intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3', 5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). Increased cyclic AMP levels cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells. In vitro tests show that formoterol is an inhibitor of the release of mast cell mediators, such as histamine and leukotrienes, from the human lung. Formoterol also inhibits histamine-induced plasma albumin extravasation in anesthetized guinea pigs and inhibits allergen-induced eosinophil influx in dogs with airway hyper-responsiveness. The relevance of these in vitro and animal findings to humans is unknown.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION SYMBICORT 80/4.5 and SYMBICORT 160/4.5 each contain micronized budesonide and micronized formoterol fumarate dihydrate for oral inhalation only. Each SYMBICORT 80/4.5 and SYMBICORT 160/4.5 canister is formulated as a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA 227; 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane)-propelled pressurized metered dose inhaler containing either 60 or 120 actuations [see Dosage Forms and Strengths (3) and How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) ] . After priming, each actuation meters either 91/5.1 mcg or 181/5.1 mcg from the valve and delivers either 80/4.5 mcg, or 160/4.5 mcg (budesonide micronized/formoterol fumarate dihydrate micronized) from the actuator. The actual amount of drug delivered to the lung may depend on patient factors, such as the coordination between actuation of the device and inspiration through the delivery system. SYMBICORT also contains povidone K25 USP as a suspending agent and polyethylene glycol 1000 NF as a lubricant. SYMBICORT should be primed before using for the first time by releasing two test sprays into the air away from the face, shaking well for 5 seconds before each spray. In cases where the inhaler has not been used for more than 7 days or when it has been dropped, prime the inhaler again by shaking well for 5 seconds before each spray and releasing two test sprays into the air away from the face. One active component of SYMBICORT is budesonide, a corticosteroid designated chemically as (RS)-11β, 16α, 17,21-Tetrahydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione cyclic 16,17-acetal with butyraldehyde. Budesonide is provided as a mixture of two epimers (22R and 22S). The empirical formula of budesonide is C 25 H 34 O 6 and its molecular weight is 430.5. Its structural formula is: Budesonide is a white to off-white, tasteless, odorless powder which is practically insoluble in water and in heptane, sparingly soluble in ethanol, and freely soluble in chloroform. Its partition coefficient between octanol and water at pH 7.4 is 1.6 x 10 3 . The other active component of SYMBICORT is formoterol fumarate dihydrate, a selective beta 2 -agonist designated chemically as (R*,R*)-(±)-N-[2-hydroxy-5-[1-hydroxy-2-[[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]amino]ethyl]phenyl]formamide, (E)-2-butendioate(2:1), dihydrate. The empirical formula of formoterol is C 42 H 56 N 4 O 14 and its molecular weight is 840.9. Its structural formula is: Formoterol fumarate dihydrate is a powder which is slightly soluble in water. Its octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7.4 is 2.6. The pKa of formoterol fumarate dihydrate at 25°C is 7.9 for the phenolic group and 9.2 for the amino group. budesonide structural formula structural fumarate

10 OVERDOSAGE SYMBICORT SYMBICORT contains both budesonide and formoterol; therefore, the risks associated with overdosage for the individual components described below apply to SYMBICORT. In pharmacokinetic studies, single doses of 960/54 mcg (12 actuations of SYMBICORT 80/4.5) and 1280/36 mcg (8 actuations of 160/4.5), were administered to patients with COPD. A total of 1920/54 mcg (12 actuations of SYMBICORT 160/4.5) was administered as a single dose to both healthy subjects and patients with asthma. In a long-term active-controlled safety study in adolescent and adult asthma patients 12 years of age and older, SYMBICORT 160/4.5 was administered for up to 12 months at doses up to twice the highest recommended daily dose. There were no clinically significant adverse reactions observed in any of these studies. Budesonide The potential for acute toxic effects following overdose of budesonide is low. If used at excessive doses for prolonged periods, systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercorticism may occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5) ] . Budesonide at five times the highest recommended dose (3200 mcg daily) administered to humans for 6 weeks caused a significant reduction (27%) in the plasma cortisol response to a 6-hour infusion of ACTH compared with placebo (+1%). The corresponding effect of 10 mg prednisone daily was a 35% reduction in the plasma cortisol response to ACTH. Formoterol An overdose of formoterol would likely lead to an exaggeration of effects that are typical for beta 2 -agonists: seizures, angina, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, palpitations, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, sleep disturbances, metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia. As with all sympathomimetic medications, cardiac arrest and even death may be associated with abuse of formoterol. No clinically significant adverse reactions were seen when formoterol was delivered to adult patients with acute bronchoconstriction at a dose of 90 mcg/day over 3 hours or to stable asthmatics 3 times a day at a total dose of 54 mcg/day for 3 days. Treatment of formoterol overdosage consists of discontinuation of the medication together with institution of appropriate symptomatic and/or supportive therapy. The judicious use of a cardioselective beta-receptor blocker may be considered, bearing in mind that such medication can produce bronchospasm. There is insufficient evidence to determine if dialysis is beneficial for overdosage of formoterol. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in cases of overdosage.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING SYMBICORT is available in two strengths and is supplied in the following package sizes: Dosage Forms and Strengths Package Size NDC SYMBICORT Inhalations 80/4.5 120 0186-0372-20 SYMBICORT inhalations (institutional pack) 80/4.5 60 0186-0372-28 SYMBICORT Inhalations 160/4.5 120 0186-0370-20 SYMBICORT inhalations (institutional pack) 160/4.5 60 0186-0370-28 Each strength is supplied as a pressurized aluminum canister with an attached counting device, a red plastic actuator body with a white mouthpiece, and attached gray dust cap. Each 120 inhalation canister has a net fill weight of 10.2 grams and each 60 inhalation canister has a net fill weight of 6.9 grams (SYMBICORT 80/4.5) or 6 grams (SYMBICORT 160/4.5). Each canister is packaged in a foil overwrap pouch with desiccant sachet and placed into a carton. Each carton contains one canister and a Patient Information leaflet. The SYMBICORT canister should only be used with the SYMBICORT actuator, and the SYMBICORT actuator should not be used with any other inhalation drug product. The correct amount of medication in each inhalation cannot be ensured after the labeled number of inhalations from the canister have been used, even though the inhaler may not feel completely empty and may continue to operate. The inhaler should be discarded when the labeled number of inhalations have been used or within 3 months after removal from the foil pouch. Never immerse the canister into water to determine the amount remaining in the canister (“float test”). Store at controlled room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [see USP]. Store the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. For best results, the canister should be at room temperature before use. Shake well for 5 seconds before using. Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid spraying in eyes. CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE. Do not puncture or incinerate. Do not store near heat or open flame. Exposure to temperatures over 120oF may cause bursting. Never throw container into fire or incinerator.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
164,264
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: BUDESONIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
50090-1403-0 50090-1403 A-S Medication Solutions 1 POUCH in 1 CARTON (50090-1403-0) / 1 AEROSOL in 1 POUCH November 28, 2014
50090-4508-0 50090-4508 A-S Medication Solutions 1 POUCH in 1 CARTON (50090-4508-0) / 1 AEROSOL in 1 POUCH September 4, 2019
50090-4509-0 50090-4509 A-S Medication Solutions 1 POUCH in 1 CARTON (50090-4509-0) / 1 AEROSOL in 1 POUCH September 4, 2019
50090-4510-0 50090-4510 A-S Medication Solutions 1 POUCH in 1 CARTON (50090-4510-0) / 1 AEROSOL in 1 POUCH September 4, 2019
0186-0370-20 0186-0370 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP 1 POUCH in 1 CARTON (0186-0370-20) / 1 CANISTER in 1 POUCH / 120 AEROSOL in 1 CANISTER May 29, 2007
0186-0370-28 0186-0370 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP 1 POUCH in 1 CARTON (0186-0370-28) / 1 CANISTER in 1 POUCH / 60 AEROSOL in 1 CANISTER September 6, 2007
0186-0372-20 0186-0372 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP 1 POUCH in 1 CARTON (0186-0372-20) / 1 CANISTER in 1 POUCH / 120 AEROSOL in 1 CANISTER May 29, 2007
0186-0372-28 0186-0372 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP 1 POUCH in 1 CARTON (0186-0372-28) / 1 CANISTER in 1 POUCH / 60 AEROSOL in 1 CANISTER September 6, 2007
85766-184-28 85766-184 Sportpharm LLC 1 POUCH in 1 CARTON (85766-184-28) / 1 CANISTER in 1 POUCH / 60 AEROSOL in 1 CANISTER March 12, 2026
50090-1403 50090-1403 A-S Medication Solutions — May 29, 2007
50090-4508 50090-4508 A-S Medication Solutions — May 29, 2007
50090-4509 50090-4509 A-S Medication Solutions — May 29, 2007
50090-4510 50090-4510 A-S Medication Solutions — May 29, 2007
0186-0370 0186-0370 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP — May 29, 2007
0186-0372 0186-0372 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP — May 29, 2007
85766-184 85766-184 Sportpharm LLC — May 29, 2007

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.