Symbicort is a medication used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . It contains two active ingredients, budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate, which work together to reduce inflammation and widen the airways in the lungs. Symbicort is used for long-term maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 6 years and older who are not adequately controlled on a long-term asthma-control medication such as an inhaled corticosteroid. It is also used for the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symbicort will not replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms. When taken as prescribed, Symbicort has been shown to help patients breathe better starting within 5 minutes. However, Symbicort doesnt interact well with certain medicines, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.