Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe Metered Dose Inhaler

Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler is used to relieve symptoms of asthma and COPD like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, etc. It is a combination medicine containing formoterol and budesonide. It should be used as prescribed and not discontinued unless advised by your doctor, as a sudden stoppage can cause the disease to worsen.

Headache, cough, irritation in the throat and palpitations are a few side effects that you may experience after taking Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe. Budamate 200 transhaler , Formonide 200 inhaler , and Digihaler FB 200 inhaler are some other medications with formoterol and budesonide as active ingredients. Consult your doctor if you observe any white patches in your mouth or experience any discomfort or new symptoms on the consumption of the medicine.

Before using the Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler, inform the doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding and about your detailed medical history.

Dosage

Overdose

The symptoms of overdose are headache, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, increased heartbeats, increased blood glucose, low potassium levels, and change in the heart's rhythm. Consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms or think may have taken too much of Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe.

Missed a Dose

If you miss any dose of Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler works by the combined action of Formoterol and Budesonide.
• Budesonide is a corticosteroid medicine, which on inhalation reduces inflammation in the airways in a dose-dependent manner, thus reduces the chances of worsening asthma.
• Formoterol acts on the muscles in the airway tract. In the presence of inflammation (like in asthma), these muscles lead to constriction of the airway and causing breathlessness.
• Formoterol relaxes these muscles, facilitating the opening of the airway and thus relieving breathlessness.

Directions for Use

• Use this medicine as recommended by your doctor. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• Read the instructions on the label or leaflet before use.
• Rinse your mouth with water after each use to prevent infection in the mouth and throat.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I use Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler during pregnancy?

There is limited information about the effects of Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler on human pregnancy. You will be prescribed this medicine by your doctor only if it is essential and benefits over-weighs risks.

Breast Feeding

Can I use Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler while breastfeeding?

As this medicine passes into breast milk, you should consult your doctor before using Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler while breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have used Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler?

Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler may make you dizzy, avoid driving if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler?

It is recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while on treatment with Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler, as it may worsen your condition.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have severe liver problems.
• You have diabetes or a lung infection.
• You have problems with your heart, like high blood pressure, heart failure, etc.
• Your asthma condition is suddenly worsening.
• You have an overactive thyroid gland.
• You have a low blood potassium level.
• You feel that the treatment is ineffective.
• If you are on any medicines that suppress immunity, there is an increased chance of developing infections. Necessary vaccinations and care should be taken to avoid this.
• Orally inhaled steroidal medicines may cause growth retardation in children. Hence, growth monitoring is recommended.
• Keep taking this medicine as prescribed, even if your symptoms go away. Your doctor will reduce your dose when required.
• Abruptly stopping the medicine can be dangerous and should be strictly avoided.

Contraindications

• If you are known to be allergic to any components or excipients of Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler.
• If you are suffering from acute breathlessness, as seen in a severe attack of asthma or COPD or cases of a collapsed airway.

Side effects

• Headache
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness of voice
• Respiratory tract infections
• Fungal infection in the mouth
• Palpitations

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Concomitant use of Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler along with medicines such as Ketoconazole (anti-fungal medicine), Ritonavir (used in HIV infection) and Clarithromycin (antibiotic) should be avoided as it may alter the effects of this medicine.
• Effects of this medicine can be weakened by some medicines used to control blood pressure or treat heart-related illnesses like Propranolol, Atenolol and others belonging to the same class.
• Concomitant treatment with Quinidine, Disopyramide, Procainamide, Phenothiazines, Antihistamines (like Terfenadine), medicines used in psychiatric illness like Isocarboxazid, Doxepin can lead to increased chances of developing disorders related to the heart rhythm.
• You may be at an increased risk of experiencing cardiac side effects when taking L-Dopa (used in Parkinson’s diseases), L-thyroxine (thyroid hormone) along with this medicine.
• Medicines like Procarbazine (anti-cancer) can lead to a rise in blood pressure if used simultaneously with this medicine. It is important to inform your anaesthetist about your asthma medications to avoiding interactions of this medicine with some anaesthetic agents (like Diazepam, Amobarbital).
• Low potassium levels caused due to this medicine may lead to increased chances of heart disorders if you are taking Digitalis (used for heart failure). Also, water-pills except the potassium-sparing ones lead to lowering of potassium in body and caution is advised if you are taking these along with this medicine.

Storage and disposal

Store Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe below 30°C in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler contain steroids?

This medicine contains two medicines - Formoterol and Budesonide of which, Budesonide is a steroid.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

There is limited information about the safety of Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler during pregnancy. However, your doctor may give you this medicine only if it is needed and the advantage over-weighs the risk. You should always consult a doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.

Is Foracort 200 Synchrobreathe inhaler a reliever or controller?

It can be used both as a controller as well as a reliever medication.

Does this medicine contain anabolic steroids?

Budesonide, which is a component of this medicine is a glucocorticoid and not an anabolic steroid.