What is Foracort 6/200 MCG Inhaler?
Foracort 6/200 MCG inhaler combines Budesonide and Formoterol to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. It is a long-acting bronchodilator. This Inhaler relieves symptoms like chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Foracort works by inhibiting the release of chemical messengers that cause inflammation in the airways. Thus, by using this Inhaler, you may relieve symptoms of asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)
A doctor may prescribe a Foracort 200 inhaler only for adults and children above six. It's a prescription medicine, and you need to take it when advised by a doctor to treat conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Foracort Inhaler is only a preventative maintenance therapy for asthma and COPD symptoms.
What are the uses of the Foracort 6/200 MCG inhaler?
Foracort 200 inhaler is effective in treating the following medical conditions:
Asthma symptoms
Asthma is a respiratory disorder in which your airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. Thus, it may cause breathing symptoms, but using a Foracort 200 inhaler may relieve these symptoms. You must note that this Inhaler will not help you with sudden asthma attack symptoms.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes congested airflow from your lungs. Such breathing disorders include problems like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In this condition, the Foracort 200 inhaler helps to relax the muscles of the airways and helps in making breathing easier. You can start taking it as a maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
How does the Foracort 6/200 MCG inhaler work?
Foracort Inhaler is a combination medicine containing two active ingredients: budesonide and Formoterol. Both medicines work in different ways to improve lung function and decrease symptoms of asthma & COPD.
Budesonide, a synthetic corticosteroid, works by decreasing inflammation in airways. It does it by hindering the release of inflammatory mediators like leukotrienes and cytokines by controlling the activity of immune cells involved in an inflammatory response. Meanwhile, Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator that works by relaxing muscles in your airways. It aids in opening up the airways and enhances breathing.
Formoterol attains this by binding to beta-2 receptors in the lungs, leading to smooth muscle relaxation in the airway. After a single dose of Formoterol, you can get relief for almost 12 hours in symptoms of asthma and COPD because it is a long-acting medicine.
Dosage of Foracort 6/200 MCG inhaler
Before you start treatment with the Foracort inhaler, read the patient information leaflet carefully. If there is any doubt about its dosage or Inhaler, discuss it with your doctor beforehand.
Before using this Inhaler for the first time or after a while, you must shake it for 5 to 10 seconds. The doctor suggests exhaling completely to clear your lungs and take a deep breath. Hold the Inhaler erect using your thumb on the base and index and middle fingers on top. Now, remove the cap from the mouthpiece. Put a tip there and seal your lips around it. Begin inhaling slowly and deeply from your mouth while putting a pressure inhaler to release medication. As long as you breathe, remove the Inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for almost 10 seconds.
If your doctor advises it, you can exhale carefully before starting over. To decrease the chances of developing a fungal illness in the mouth & throat, rinse your mouth properly with water.
The doctor will prescribe how often you need to take this Inhaler based on your condition and age. You can notice the effects of this medicine only after a few days, but it reaches its maximum only after a few weeks. Do not use a Foracort inhaler to relieve sudden shortness of breath. When you suffer from sudden shortness of breath, use a rescue inhaler.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Foracort inhaler, take it as soon as you remember. Return to your regular schedule, and skip missed dosage if it's time for the next dose. Do not double the dose because it can lead to an overdose of Foracort 6/200 MCG.
Overdose
If you accidentally use a Foracort inhaler, then consult a doctor quickly. Symptoms of overdose include nervousness, pain in the chest, tremors, and others.
Side effects of Foracort 6/200 MCG
The most common side effects of the Foracort inhaler include nausea, stomach discomfort, vomiting, headache, and respiratory tract infection. If you experience any of these side effects, do not stop taking it; consult a doctor quickly.
Most side effects of this Inhaler are mild and do not require any medical attention. You may prevent some of them by rinsing the mouth and throat with water or brushing the teeth after using a Foracort inhaler.
Patients can experience some other rare side effects. Get emergency medical help if any side effects of this Inhaler bother you.
Drug Interactions for Foracort 200 Inhaler
Drug interactions can affect the working mechanism of Foracort 200 Inhaler or reduce its effectiveness. Some medicines interact with Foracort inhaler, including:
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Ketoconazole
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Clarithromycin
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Quinidine
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HIV protease inhibitors
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Phenothiazines
Tell your doctor about all other products you take, such as prescription & non-prescription drugs and herbal supplements. It will help your doctor to adjust the dosage of the Foracort inhaler accordingly.
Precautions and warnings for Foracort 6/200 MCG inhaler
Avoid using the Foracort 6/200 MCG inhaler if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. Call the doctor immediately if you notice a skin rash, breathing difficulty, itching/swelling, or severe dizziness.
Status asthmaticus is a severe form of sudden asthma that might last several minutes or hours. Patients experiencing status asthmaticus must not use a Foracort inhaler because it is not practical in treating this condition.
Unless necessary, you should not use Foracort 6/200 MCG in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It would help if you were cautious and avoided triggers to prevent sudden asthma attacks. Avoid exposure to house dust, pollen, and pets, and avoid cigarette smoke.
It would be best if you used High doses of Foracort inhaler with caution because it can cause or worsen hyperadrenocorticism. Also, if you have a condition like osteoporosis(brittle bones)
Patients suffering from liver or kidney diseases must inform their doctor beforehand so they may prescribe a suitable dose of Foracort inhaler.
Make sure to keep a rescue inhaler with you to relieve a sudden asthma attack. However, the Foracort 200 inhaler may not help you get relief from sudden symptoms of asthma attacks.
Foracort 200 Inhaler can cause oral fungal infection in the mouth(Oral thrush). Rinse your mouth and throat with water or brush your teeth to prevent the risk of such side effects of Forecort.
Storage
You should store Foracort 6/200 MCG inhaler at room temperature, away from sunlight and moisture.
