Side effects of symbicort

Symbicort and the main characteristics

Symbicort is a medication which is primarily used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, and it has to be prescribed by the doctor. It consists of two medications, one that stimulates beta receptors in the body thus causing the muscles to relax and airways to receive more air, and the other that is inhaled steroid and that decreases the inflammation of the airways. The combination of these ingredients is much more effective than each of them taken alone. Still, it is important to be aware of the fact that Symbicort does not treat asthma attacks, but prevents them, because it takes some time for it to work.

Possible side effects

However, despite its effectiveness, this medication has some side effects as well, and the most frequently experienced are headaches, sore throat and the infections of the upper respiratory. Others include the infection of sinus, bronchitis, a yeast infection of the mouth, as well as diarrhea, muscle spasms, nausea and vomiting, changes of the voice, and nasal congestion. However, these are all more or less mild side effects, because the ones that do need the attention of the doctor are serious problems with breathing which only have the tendency to worsen, hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmia, and even the increased level of the blood sugar, or depression. Still, even though some of these side effects may seem rather frightening, it does not mean that everyone will experience them. The majority of these symptoms is experienced very rarely, but the reason why they are mentioned here is the fact that they are possible and that those who use this medication should be familiar with it.

Measures of precaution

Even though, it cannot always be predicted when certain side effects will appear, there are some measures of precaution that should not be neglected, and that could minimize the risks. First of all, it is important to use the medicine exactly as prescribed, which means that it is necessary to stick to the prescribed dosage and frequency of use. Besides that, it is necessary to warn the patient not to use certain medications that can cause serious problems if combined with Symbicort. This is particularly important since among them are beta blockers, and even diuretics and certain antibiotics.

This medication is not intended for people who suffer from high blood pressure, tachycardia, irregular heart rhythm, or some other heart related disease, as well as for people who suffer from osteoporosis, overactive thyroid, epilepsy, or diabetes. People who did not get the vaccine against chickenpox or those who did not have this disease should not use Symbicort either.