ICS + LABA combination inhaler
Budesonide with formoterol
Brand names: Symbicort, DuoResp Spiromax, Fobumix
Adult dose
Dose: Asthma maintenance & reliever (MART): 1 inhalation BD + PRN; max 12 inhalations/day
Route: Inhaled
Frequency: BD ± PRN
Clinical pearls
- GINA / NICE NG80 / BTS-SIGN: MART regimen with formoterol-containing ICS-LABA preferred for adults & adolescents
- BTS / SIGN asthma
- Counsel re inhaler technique and rinsing mouth
Contraindications
- Untreated severe asthma exacerbation
- Hypersensitivity
Side effects
- Tremor
- Tachycardia
- Oral candidiasis
- Hypokalaemia
- Pneumonia (COPD)
- Adrenal suppression (high-dose)
Interactions
- Beta-blockers
- QT-prolonging drugs
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
- Diuretics (hypokalaemia)
Monitoring
- Asthma control (RCP-3, ACQ)
- PEFR
- Inhaler technique
- Oral candidiasis
Reference: BNF; NICE NG80; BTS/SIGN; GINA; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/budesonide-with-formoterol/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
Pathways
- Acute Asthma in Adults · BTS/SIGN British Guideline on Asthma 2019; NICE NG80
- Pulmonary Embolism Assessment · NICE NG158; ESC 2019 PE Guidelines
- Acute Exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) · NICE NG115; GOLD 2024
- Spontaneous Pneumothorax (Adult) · BTS Pleural Disease 2023
- Atypical Pneumonia (Legionella / Mycoplasma / Chlamydophila) · BTS 2023; IDSA
- COPD Exacerbation Management · NICE NG115 / GOLD 2024