SYMBICORT 320/9 Forte Astra Zeneca

 Symbicort Forte Per delivered dose (Forte) Budesonide 320 mcg, formoterol fumarate 9 mcg. 

Asthma: Indicated in the regular treatment of asthma where use of a combination (inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta₂-agonist) is appropriate: patients not adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and "as needed" inhaled short acting beta₂-agonists or patients already adequately controlled on both inhaled corticosteroids and long acting beta₂-agonists.

Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Mechanism of Action: Symbicort contains formoterol and budesonide, which have different modes of action and show additive effects in terms of reduction of asthma and COPD exacerbations. The specific properties of budesonide and formoterol allow the combination to be used as maintenance treatment of asthma.
The mechanisms of action of the two substances, respectively are discussed as follows.
Budesonide: Budesonide given by inhalation at recommended doses has a glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory action within the lungs, resulting in reduced symptoms and exacerbations of asthma with less adverse effects than when corticosteroids are administered systemically. The exact mechanism responsible for this anti-inflammatory effect is unknown.
Formoterol: Formoterol is a selective beta₂-adrenergic agonist that produces relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle in patients with reversible airways obstruction. The bronchodilating effect sets in rapidly, within 1-3 minutes after inhalation, and has a duration of 12 hours after a single dose.