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9 Interactions found for:

Symbicort and albuterol
Interactions Summary
  • 4 Major
  • 3 Moderate
  • 2 Minor
  • Symbicort
  • albuterol

Drug Interactions

Moderate
Albuterol + Symbicort

The following applies to the ingredients: Albuterol and Formoterol (found in Symbicort)

Using albuterol together with formoterol may increase cardiovascular side effects such as elevations in heart rate and blood pressure or irregular heart rhythm. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns, particularly if you have a history of high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or heart disease. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Minor
Albuterol + Symbicort

The following applies to the ingredients: Albuterol and Budesonide (found in Symbicort)

Professional Content

Although they are often combined in clinical practice, the concomitant use of beta-2 adrenergic agonists and corticosteroids may result in additive hypokalemic effects. Since beta-2 agonists can sometimes cause QT interval prolongation, the development of hypokalemia may potentiate the risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes. However, clinical data are limited, and the potential significance is unknown. Patients who are receiving systemic or nebulized formulations of beta-2 agonists, high dosages of inhaled beta-2 agonists, or systemic corticosteroid therapy may be at a greater risk of developing hypokalemia.

References

  1. "Product Information. Foradil (formoterol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios Healthcare "Centro de información online de medicamentos de la AEMPS - CIMA. https://cima.aemps.es/cima/publico/home.html" (2008):

Drug and Food Interactions

Moderate
Symbicort + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Budesonide (found in Symbicort)

You should avoid the regular consumption of large amounts of grapefruits and grapefruit juice while taking budesonide. Grapefruit can raise the levels of budesonide in your body and lead to increased side effects. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate
Albuterol + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Albuterol

Professional Content

MONITOR: Coadministration of two or more sympathomimetic agents may increase the risk of adverse effects such as nervousness, irritability, and increased heart rate. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly amphetamines, can potentiate the adrenergic response to vasopressors and other sympathomimetic agents. Additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur due to enhanced peripheral sympathetic activity.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if two or more sympathomimetic agents are coadministered. Pulse and blood pressure should be closely monitored.

References

  1. Rosenblatt JE, Lake CR, van Kammen DP, Ziegler MG, Bunney WE Jr "Interactions of amphetamine, pimozide, and lithium on plasma norepineophrine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in schizophrenic patients." Psychiatry Res 1 (1979): 45-52
  2. Cavanaugh JH, Griffith JD, Oates JA "Effect of amphetamine on the pressor response to tyramine: formation of p-hydroxynorephedrine from amphetamine in man." Clin Pharmacol Ther 11 (1970): 656
  3. "Product Information. Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)." Shire Richwood Pharmaceutical Company Inc PROD (2001):
  4. "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  5. "Product Information. Sanorex (mazindol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  6. "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc (2001):
  7. "Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company (2002):

Drug and Pregnancy Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Albuterol

Professional Content

The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding use during pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category: A
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned

Comments:
-There are no randomized clinical studies of albuterol use during pregnancy, but available information on pregnancy exposure by inhalation do not consistently show miscarriage or major birth defects.
-This drug is known to cross the placental barrier, as evidenced by increases in fetal heart rate.
-Beta-agonists, including this drug, may potentially interfere with uterine contractility.
-In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, there is an increased risk of preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in the neonate. Pregnant women should be closely monitored and the dose adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal control.
-In some countries, intravenous injection presentations of this drug have been approved for delay pre-term labor (tocolytic agent) and should not be used in the management of uncomplicated premature labor.

Epidemiological studies and postmarketing case reports following inhaled administration of this drug do not consistently demonstrate a risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, subcutaneous administration to pregnant mice evidence of cleft palate at less than and up to 9 times the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose (MRHDID). A study in pregnant rats demonstrated that drug-related material was transferred from the maternal circulation to the fetus. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.
During worldwide marketing experience, various congenital anomalies, including cleft palate and limb defects, have been reported in the offspring of patients being treated with this drug. Some of the mothers were taking multiple medications during their pregnancies. A relationship between the use of this drug and congenital anomalies has not been established. Profuse uterine bleeding following spontaneous abortion has been reported after the use of this drug. Special care is required in pregnant diabetic women. The background birth defect and miscarriage risk for the indicated population is not known. In the US general population, the estimated major birth defect risk is 2 to 4% and the miscarriage risk is 15 to 20%.


A pregnancy exposure registry monitors outcomes after exposure to asthma medications during pregnancy. For more information, contact the Mothers To Baby Pregnancy Studies conducted by the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists at http://mothertobaby.org/pregnancystudies/.


AU TGA pregnancy category A: Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. Lunell NO, Joelsson I, Bjorkman U, Lamb P, Persson B "The use of salbutamol in obstetrics." Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 55 (1976): 333-6
  2. Davies AE, Robertson MJ "Pulmonary oedema after the administration of intravenous salbutamol and ergometrine. Case report." Br J Obstet Gynaecol 87 (1980): 539-41
  3. Watson NA, Morgan B "Pulmonary oedema and salbutamol in preterm labour. Case report and literature review." Br J Obstet Gynaecol 96 (1989): 1445-8
  4. Lind T, Godfrey KA, Gerrard J, Bryson MR "Continuous salbutamol infusion over 17 weeks to pre-empt premature labour." Lancet 2 (1980): 1165-6
  5. Tan SN "Peri-partum pulmonary oedema." Anaesth Intensive Care 19 (1991): 111-3
  6. Hawker F "Five cases of pulmonary oedema associated with beta 2-sympathomimetic treatment of premature labour." Anaesth Intensive Care 12 (1984): 159-62
  7. Martin AJ "Severe unwanted effects associated with betasympathomimetics when used in the treatment of premature labour: causes, incidence and preventative measures." Br J Clin Pract 35 (1981): 325-9
  8. "Product Information. Proventil (albuterol)." Schering Corporation PROD (2002):
  9. "Product Information. Ventolin (albuterol)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2002):
  10. Rayburn WF, Atkinson BD, Gilbert K, Turnbull GL "Short-term effects of inhaled albuterol on maternal and fetal circulations." Am J Obstet Gynecol 171 (1994): 770-3
  11. Mcdonald CF, Burdon JGW "Asthma in pregnancy and lactation - a position paper for the thoracic society of australia and new zealand." Med J Aust 165 (1996): 485-8
  12. Dombrowski MP "Pharmacologic therapy of asthma during pregnancy." Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 24 (1997): 559
  13. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  14. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  15. "Product Information. Albuterol Extended Release (albuterol)." Dava Pharmaceuticals Inc (2022):
  16. "Product Information. Albuterol Sulfate (albuterol)." Vista Pharm Inc (2022):
  17. "Product Information. Albuterol (albuterol)." Physicians Total Care (2022):

The following applies to the ingredients: Budesonide (found in Symbicort)

Professional Content

Benefit should outweigh risk

AU TGA pregnancy category: A (inhalation); B3 (oral)
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned

Comments:
-The possibility of fetal ham with inhaled corticosteroids appears remote; but data are insufficient with oral and rectal administration to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage.
-Hypoadrenalism may occur in neonates exposed to glucocorticosteroids in utero; carefully observe neonates for signs and symptoms of hypoadrenalism.

Teratogenicity and embryocidal effects have been observed in rabbits and rats administered subcutaneous doses that represent 0.05 and 0.5 times the maximum recommended human doses, respectively. These effects have been reported as increased fetal loss, decreased pup weights, and skeletal abnormalities. Higher doses administered by inhalation to rats have not shown to be teratogenic. Experience with oral corticosteroids at pharmacologic doses suggests rodents are more prone to teratogenic effect than humans.

Results from a large population-based prospective cohort epidemiological study reviewing data from 3 Swedish registries covering approximately 99% of the pregnancies from 1995-1997 indicate no increased risk for congenital malformations from the use of inhaled drug during early pregnancy. These same data were used in a second study bringing the total to 2,534 infants whose mothers were exposed to inhaled budesonide. In this study, the rate of congenital malformations among infants whose mother were exposed to inhaled budesonide during early pregnancy was not different from the rate for all newborn babies during the same period (3.6%).

There are few data on pregnancy outcomes after oral or rectal administration in humans. The maximal concentration of budesonide in plasma is expected to be higher with oral compared to inhaled use. Prolonged or repeated exposure may increase the risk of intra-uterine growth retardation. When considering use, risk benefit analysis should take into consideration disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risks. Inhaled glucocorticosteroids offer lower systemic effects compared to oral glucocorticosteroids and achieve similar pulmonary responses. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. The background birth defect and miscarriage risk for the indicated population is not known. In the US general population, the estimated major birth defect risk is 2 to 4% and the miscarriage risk is 15 to 20%.


AU TGA pregnancy category A: Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. "Product Information. Pulmicort Respules (budesonide)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. "Product Information. Uceris (budesonide)." Santarus Inc (2013):
  5. "Product Information. Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide)." A-S Medication Solutions (2016):
  6. "Product Information. Entocort EC (budesonide)." Perrigo, L. Company (2016):

The following applies to the ingredients: Formoterol (found in Symbicort)

Professional Content

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned

Comment:
-Beta-agonists, including this drug, may potentially interfere with uterine contractility due to a relaxant effect on uterine smooth muscle; use during labor and delivery only if benefits outweigh risks.

Animal reproduction studies showed teratogenicity, including increased fetal malformations, decreased fetal weights, and increased neonatal mortality at oral doses approximately 730 to 29000 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD); no effects were seen with the inhalation route at 300 times the MRHD. Doses approximately 50 times the MRHD administered during organogenesis caused delayed ossification, and decreased fetal weight was seen at approximately 1500 times the MRHD. Animals given 1500 times the MRHD during late pregnancy had increased stillbirths and neonatal mortality, however no effects were seen at approximately 50 times the MRHD. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. "Product Information. Foradil (formoterol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. "Product Information. Perforomist (formoterol)." Dey Laboratories (2016):

The following applies to the ingredients: Budesonide-Formoterol (found in Symbicort)

Professional Content

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the potential risks.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk Summary:
-There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of this drug or one of its individual components, formoterol, in pregnant women.
-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 this drug during labor and delivery. Due to the potential for beta-agonist interference with uterine contractility, this drug should be used during labor only if the benefits clearly outweigh the risk.

In animal reproduction studies, administration of budesonide-formoterol 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/m2 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 alone, administered by the oral route, was teratogenic in rats and rabbits at 1600 and 65,000 times the MRHDID, respectively. Formoterol 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 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.

AU TGA pregnancy category B1: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have not shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

References

  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  2. "Product Information. Symbicort (budesonide-formoterol)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (2006):
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

Drug and Breastfeeding Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Albuterol

Professional Content

The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding use during lactation.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown
Excreted into animal milk: Data not available

Comments:
-There is no information regarding this drug on the presence in human milk, the effects on a breastfed infant, or effects on milk production.
-Consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding along with the mother's clinical need for this medication as well as any potential adverse effects from this drug or the underlying maternal condition.

References

  1. "Product Information. Proventil (albuterol)." Schering Corporation PROD (2002):
  2. "Product Information. Ventolin (albuterol)." Glaxo Wellcome PROD (2002):
  3. Mcdonald CF, Burdon JGW "Asthma in pregnancy and lactation - a position paper for the thoracic society of australia and new zealand." Med J Aust 165 (1996): 485-8
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  6. "Product Information. Albuterol Extended Release (albuterol)." Dava Pharmaceuticals Inc (2022):
  7. "Product Information. Albuterol Sulfate (albuterol)." Vista Pharm Inc (2022):
  8. "Product Information. Albuterol (albuterol)." Physicians Total Care (2022):

The following applies to the ingredients: Budesonide (found in Symbicort)

Professional Content

The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding use during lactation.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comment:
-The breastfed infant is exposed to approximately 0.3 to 1% of the dose received via a dry powder inhaler by the patient.
-Extrapolating from inhaled drug exposure, data suggest therapeutic oral doses could expose a breastfeeding infant to drug levels 10 times higher than those from inhalation.
-Consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding along with the mother's clinical need for this medication as well as any potential adverse effects from this drug or the underlying maternal condition.

Most experts consider inhaled corticosteroids acceptable during breastfeeding as the presence in breast milk is expected to be low and infant exposure negligible. A fully breastfed infant is expected to receive a maximum 0.3% to 1% of the weight-adjusted maternal dosage; a milk to plasma ratio between 0.4 and 0.5. Drug levels have not been detected in breastfed infants following maternal use of the inhaled drug. Oral drug at the recommended daily dose is expected to produce plasma concentrations up to 10 times higher than the inhaled drug. Due to lack of specific data with the oral or rectal formulations, some manufacturers recommend therapy be avoided.

References

  1. "Product Information. Pulmicort Respules (budesonide)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
  5. "Product Information. Uceris (budesonide)." Santarus Inc (2013):
  6. "Product Information. Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide)." A-S Medication Solutions (2016):
  7. "Product Information. Entocort EC (budesonide)." Perrigo, L. Company (2016):

The following applies to the ingredients: Budesonide-Formoterol (found in Symbicort)

Professional Content

A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Yes (budesonide); Unknown (formoterol)
Excreted into animal milk: Yes (formoterol); Data not available (budesonide)

Comments:
-The effects in the nursing infant are unknown.

Budesonide:
Human data with dry powder inhaler indicates that the total daily oral dose available in breast milk to the infant is approximately 0.3% to 1% of the dose inhaled by the mother.

Formoterol:
In the fertility and reproduction study in rats, the maximum plasma concentration that the pups received from the maternal animal after nursing was estimated at 4.4%.

References

  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  2. "Product Information. Symbicort (budesonide-formoterol)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (2006):
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

The following applies to the ingredients: Formoterol (found in Symbicort)

Professional Content

Caution is recommended. Benefit should outweigh risk.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown
Excreted into animal milk: Yes

Comments:
-Women should contact their physician if they are nursing while taking the inhalation solution.
-The effects in the nursing infant and on milk production are unknown.
-Consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding, along with the mother's clinical need for this medication, as well as any potential adverse effects on the child from the medication or the underlying maternal condition.

This drug and its metabolites was excreted in the breast milk of lactating rats given oral doses of 50 mcg/kg, and growth and survival of the pups were decreased when lactating rats were given oral doses greater than 1 mg/kg/day. A study in rats showed increased postnatal mortality at maternal oral doses of 0.2 mg/kg/day or greater, and retardation of pup growth at 15 mg/kg/day. The amount of drug found in animal milk was less than 2% of that in maternal plasma.

References

  1. "Product Information. Foradil (formoterol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. "Product Information. Perforomist (formoterol)." Dey Laboratories (2016):

Therapeutic Duplication Warnings

The following applies to: Albuterol, Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol)

Professional Content

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'inhaled smooth muscle relaxants' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines.

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Switch to: Professional Interactions

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

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