Budesonide + Formoterol 200 mcg + 6 mcg per metered dose (120 doses): uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Asthma – regular preventer treatment to reduce inflammation and keep airways open; Asthma maintenance-and-reliever therapy (MART), where the same inhaler is used both regularly and for symptoms, only if your doctor prescribes it that way.
Listed MRPs range from ₹154.69 to ₹381.76 per dose across 5 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / dose | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formoterol Fumarate 6mcg and Budesonide 200mcg Inhaler (120 MD)Jan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 1 dose | ₹154.69 | ₹154.69 | 19 October 2026 |
| Budamate 200 Transhaler | Lupin Ltd | 1 dose | ₹378.15 | ₹378.15 | 19 October 2026 |
| Combihale FB 200 Inhaler | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 1 dose | ₹379.24 | ₹379.24 | 19 October 2026 |
| Formonide 200 Inhaler | Zydus Cadila | 1 dose | ₹381.72 | ₹381.72 | 19 October 2026 |
| Foracort 200 Inhaler | Cipla Ltd | 1 dose | ₹381.76 | ₹381.76 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Asthma – regular preventer treatment to reduce inflammation and keep airways open.
- Asthma maintenance-and-reliever therapy (MART), where the same inhaler is used both regularly and for symptoms, only if your doctor prescribes it that way.
- COPD (chronic bronchitis, emphysema) with frequent flare-ups, to reduce breathlessness and attacks.
How to take it
The usual dose is 1 to 2 puffs twice a day, morning and evening, as your doctor prescribes. Shake the inhaler, breathe out fully, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, press and breathe in slowly and deeply, then hold your breath for about 10 seconds. Use a spacer if advised. Rinse your mouth and spit after each use to prevent oral thrush and hoarseness. Use it every day even when you feel well – it is a preventer, not an emergency medicine, unless your doctor has set you up on MART.
Side effects
Common
- Oral thrush (white patches in the mouth) and hoarse voice – rinsing the mouth prevents this.
- Headache.
- Tremor, palpitations, especially after extra doses.
- Throat irritation, cough.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Breathing suddenly gets worse right after a dose (paradoxical bronchospasm) – use your reliever and seek help.
- Chest pain, very fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Low potassium with high doses – muscle weakness, cramps.
- Severe allergic reaction – swelling of the face or throat.
- Long-term high-dose steroid effects – eye problems (cataract, glaucoma), bone thinning, slowed growth in children.
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction. Keep alcohol moderate; it can worsen reflux-related cough.
Pregnancy
Keeping asthma controlled is important in pregnancy. Inhaled budesonide has good safety data and is usually continued; discuss your inhaler with your doctor.
Kidney problems
No dose change needed.
Liver problems
Severe liver disease can raise steroid levels; tell your doctor.
Children
Used in children 6 years and above at paediatric strengths (100/6) under a doctor's care; growth is monitored.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due soon; then skip it. Do not double the dose.
Interactions
- Beta-blockers (atenolol, propranolol, including eye drops) – can block formoterol and worsen asthma.
- Ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin – raise budesonide levels; avoid long-term combination.
- Other beta-agonist inhalers (salbutamol/Asthalin) – extra doses add to tremor and palpitations; use as directed.
- Diuretics, steroids tablets, theophylline – can lower potassium further.
- Medicines affecting heart rhythm – additive risk with high-dose formoterol.
Frequently asked questions
Is Foracort 200 a steroid?
It contains budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid, plus formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator. Inhaled steroids act in the airways at tiny doses and are far safer than steroid tablets when used as prescribed.
Can I use Foracort 200 as a rescue inhaler during an attack?
Only if your doctor has prescribed it as maintenance-and-reliever (MART) therapy. Otherwise use your reliever inhaler (salbutamol) for sudden symptoms and keep Foracort for regular twice-daily use.
Why must I rinse my mouth after Foracort?
Steroid particles left in the mouth and throat cause oral thrush and a hoarse voice. Rinsing with water and spitting it out after every dose prevents this.
Can I stop Foracort when I feel fine?
No. Feeling well means the inhaler is working. Stopping a preventer lets airway inflammation return and raises the risk of a serious attack. Only your doctor should step the dose down.
Foracort 200 vs Foracort 400 – what is the difference?
Both have formoterol 6 mcg per puff; the 400 version has twice the budesonide (400 mcg). Your doctor picks the strength by how severe your asthma or COPD is.
Is Foracort safe in pregnancy?
Uncontrolled asthma is riskier for the baby than inhaled budesonide, which has good safety data. Continue your inhaler and discuss it with your doctor.
Foracort vs Seroflo – which is better?
Both combine an inhaled steroid with a long-acting bronchodilator. Formoterol (in Foracort) starts working faster than salmeterol (in Seroflo), which is why Foracort can be used for MART. Your doctor chooses based on your needs.
Does Foracort need a prescription?
Yes. Both ingredients are Schedule H medicines in India and inhaler technique should be taught by a doctor or pharmacist.
How many doses are in a Foracort 200 inhaler?
The standard pack has 120 metered doses. At 2 puffs twice a day it lasts 30 days. The NPPA ceiling price is set per metered dose.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Budesonide and Formoterol Oral Inhalation (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Budesonide inhalers (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms