Can Symbicort tablets be crushed?
Crushing tablets is sometimes necessary — for patients who cannot swallow whole, for paediatric or elderly use, or for nasogastric tube administration. For Symbicort (Budesonide / Formoterol) at 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg, whether crushing is appropriate depends on the formulation, and the answer is often "no" for modern controlled-release tablets.
When crushing is acceptable
Plain immediate-release dry powder inhaler, metered-dose inhaler of Budesonide, Formoterol can usually be crushed for swallowing difficulties without affecting clinical effect. The crushed powder can be mixed with a small amount of soft food or water immediately before administration; do not store crushed tablets, as some active ingredients degrade rapidly outside the original formulation.
When crushing is not acceptable
Modified-release, enteric-coated, sublingual, buccal and certain film-coated formulations should not be crushed. Crushing destroys the controlled-release mechanism and can produce a sudden high dose of Budesonide, Formoterol or expose it to gastric acid that the coating was designed to prevent. According to the prescribing information for Budesonide, Formoterol, the patient leaflet states whether crushing is permitted at 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to crush Symbicort? ▾
For plain immediate-release tablets, generally yes for swallowing difficulties at 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg. For modified-release or coated formulations, no — crushing destroys the dosing profile. Check the patient leaflet or the pharmacist for the specific Symbicort formulation.
What if I cannot swallow tablets at all? ▾
Liquid alternatives, dispersible tablets or skin patches exist for some active ingredients. Whether such an alternative exists for Budesonide, Formoterol is in the prescribing information; the pharmacist can confirm and the prescriber can switch the formulation rather than relying on crushing Symbicort at 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg.
More on Symbicort
- With alcoholSymbicort and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Symbicort be taken with food?
- Side effectsSymbicort side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- Dosage guideSymbicort dosage guide: how much to take and when
- OnsetHow fast does Symbicort start working?
- DurationHow long does Symbicort last?
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.