What is the brand name for Budesonide / Formoterol?
The brand name for Budesonide / Formoterol is Symbicort.
PTCE Top 200 · #74
Budesonide / Formoterol
Symbicort
Budesonide / Formoterol is the generic name for the brand-name drug Symbicort. It is an ics/laba combination used to treat asthma, COPD (maintenance). On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Budesonide / Formoterol ranks #74 and is one of the most frequently tested respiratory/allergy medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Budesonide / Formoterol |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Symbicort |
| Drug class | ICS/LABA combination |
| Class group | Respiratory/Allergy |
| Common use | asthma, COPD (maintenance) |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Budesonide / Formoterol used for?
• Asthma: maintenance treatment (not for acute bronchospasm). • COPD: maintenance treatment to improve airflow and reduce exacerbations.
What drug class is Budesonide / Formoterol?
Budesonide / Formoterol is an ICS/LABA combination in the Respiratory/Allergy group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Budesonide / Formoterol
- arrow_rightOral thrush (candidiasis)
- arrow_rightHoarseness
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightUpper respiratory infection
- arrow_rightTremor/palpitations
Major interactions
- arrow_rightStrong CYP3A4 inhibitors may ↑ systemic corticosteroid exposure
- arrow_rightBeta-blockers may blunt bronchodilation effect
- arrow_rightOther sympathomimetics may ↑ cardiovascular effects
- arrow_rightDiuretics or other drugs causing hypokalemia may ↑ arrhythmia risk with beta-agonists
Is Budesonide / Formoterol a controlled substance?
No. Budesonide / Formoterol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Budesonide / Formoterol (PTCE mnemonic)
SYMBI-cort = SYMBIosis of steroid + LABA — budesonide (ICS) + formoterol (LABA). Twice-daily maintenance; RINSE mouth → thrush; LABA boxed.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Symbicort pairs an inhaled steroid (budesonide) + a LABA (formoterol) — a daily controller inhaler, not a rescue. Rinse the mouth after use.
Budesonide / Formoterol FAQ
What is Budesonide / Formoterol used for?
Budesonide / Formoterol is used to treat asthma, COPD (maintenance). • Asthma: maintenance treatment (not for acute bronchospasm). • COPD: maintenance treatment to improve airflow and reduce exacerbations.
What drug class is Budesonide / Formoterol?
Budesonide / Formoterol is an ICS/LABA combination (Respiratory/Allergy group).
Is Budesonide / Formoterol a controlled substance?
No. Budesonide / Formoterol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Respiratory/Allergy group
Drill Budesonide / Formoterol the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).