What It Is:
Pulmicort, generic name budesonide inhalation suspension or powder, is an inhaled steroid that is used to treat asthma preventively. Inhaled steroids are the most effective type of controller asthma medicines. Pulmicort, which is a man-made steroid similar to naturally occurring substances found in your body, can be used as a first-line treatment to prevent asthma symptoms that may lead to asthma attacks in both children (age 12 months and older) and adults.How It Works:
Pulmicort is inhaled in mist or powder form into the airways, where it acts directly to reduce inflammation. Pulmicort is believed to block the action of both cells and chemicals that are involved in the inflammatory process. These cells and mediators are involved in the immune system changes connected with allergic asthma. Pulmicort also helps to makes your airways less irritable, so they are less likely to overreact when exposed to your asthma triggers, such as ragweed pollen or mold.The end result of these actions by Pulmicort is to reduce airway swelling and irritability, as well as mucus production. This in turn helps to prevent asthma symptoms. However, Pulmicort does not start working right away. Although beneficial effects may be felt in 2 to 8 days, it can take 4 to 6 weeks to reach its full effect. So, you should not expect Pulmicort to relieve your acute asthma symptoms.
Forms & Doses:
Pulmicort comes in two different doses and forms, each aimed at a different age group. For children age 12 months to 8 years of age, there is Pulmicort Respules, an inhalation suspension that is given via a special compressed air driven nebulizer that is also known as a jet nebulizer. Pulmicort Respules come in 3 doses:- 0.25 mg
- 0.5 mg
- 1.0 mg
Pulmicort Respules nebulizer treatments are usually given to the child once or twice a day, at regular times.
For children age 6 years and older, as well as adults, there is a dry powder inhaler (DPI) form of Pulmicort called Pulmicort Flexhaler. A DPI is somewhat like a metered dose inhaler. But instead of making a fine mist, the Flexhaler device delivers the medicine in a very fine powder form that is easy to inhale into your lungs. Pulmicort Flexhaler comes in 2 dosages:
- 90 micrograms
- 180 micrograms
Most children start with 1 to 2 inhalations twice daily of Pulmicort Flexhaler, depending on the dosage ordered, but may move up to 4 to 8 inhalations twice daily, if the doctor decides that is needed for asthma control. In adults, the starting dosage is usually 2 to 4 inhalations twice daily and can move up to 4 to 8 inhalations twice daily, if needed. These are general guidelines, and your doctor may decide on a smaller or larger dosage, depending on your individual response to Pulmicort.
Risks and Side Effects:
Inhaled steroids as a group are quite safe to take in moderate to low doses. But, like most medicines, they do carry some risk of side effects. The following side effects are possible with Pulmicort:- respiratory infections
- ear infections
- runny nose
- sore nose and throat
Most of those side effects will lessen over time, but if they do not or if they become bothersome, be sure to let your doctor know how you are feeling. There is a slight risk of more serious side effects. If you notice anything else out of the ordinary, you should call your doctor right away.
If you begin taking Pulmicort after being on an oral steroid for some time, there can also be side effects. Be sure to talk with your doctor about danger signs and when to call him / her. Also, because steroids suppress the immune system, they can also make you generally more susceptible to infection. Most of the time, this is not a big problem, but you should avoid exposure to measles and chickenpox, if you can. If you should develop either of those viral infections while taking Pulmicort (or any other steroid), then be sure to seek medical attention right away.
There can also be some potential for slowed growth in children, when taking any kind of steroid. This may resolve over time, but if you have concerns, talk with your pediatrician. Eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts have sometimes been associated with Pulmicort as well, so regular eye exams are a good idea. Finally, wheezing sometimes occurs right after taking Pulmicort, so it's wise to have your quick-relief inhaler close by, just in case.
See the second page on more information about using Pulmicort and when to call or see your doctor with questions:
