Yes, Symbicort Contains a Steroid
Symbicort is a combination inhaler with budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation, and formoterol, a long-acting beta-agonist that relaxes airway muscles.[1]
What Are the Active Ingredients?
Budesonide (160 mcg or 80 mcg per inhalation, depending on strength) handles the steroid component for asthma and COPD control. Formoterol fumarate dihydrate (4.5 mcg per inhalation) provides bronchodilation. This duo targets both inflammation and bronchospasm.[1][2]
How Does the Steroid Work in Symbicort?
Budesonide acts locally in the lungs to suppress inflammatory cells and cytokines, minimizing systemic steroid side effects compared to oral versions. It's not a rescue inhaler but a maintenance therapy.[2]
Common Side Effects Linked to the Steroid
Patients report oral thrush, hoarseness, or cough from budesonide. Rinsing the mouth after use cuts these risks. Rare systemic effects include bone density loss with long-term high doses.[1][3]
Who Makes Symbicort and What's Its Approval Status?
AstraZeneca manufactures Symbicort, FDA-approved since 2006 for asthma (age 6+) and COPD. Generic versions with the same budesonide/formoterol mix launched in 2022.[2]
Alternatives Without Steroids
For steroid-free options, consider SABA inhalers like albuterol (rescue) or pure LABAs like Foradil. Combo inhalers like Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) or Breo (fluticasone/vilanterol) also contain steroids.[3]
[1]: FDA Label for Symbicort
[2]: Symbicort Official Site
[3]: Drugs.com - Symbicort