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Pulmicort
Pulmicort, the brand name for budesonide, is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used to treat and manage the symptoms of asthma in both adults and children. Budesonide works by reducing inflammation in the airways, helping to prevent asthma attacks and control asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Pulmicort is not intended for use as a rescue inhaler during acute asthma attacks but is used for long-term maintenance of asthma control.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Pulmicort to start working?
Pulmicort is not a fast-acting medication. It may take 1 to 2 weeks of regular use to see improvements in asthma symptoms. For maximum effectiveness, continue using Pulmicort as prescribed.
Can I use Pulmicort during an asthma attack?
No, Pulmicort is not a rescue medication and should not be used for sudden asthma attacks. A short-acting bronchodilator (such as albuterol) should be used for immediate relief during an asthma attack.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Pulmicort?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Is Pulmicort safe for long-term use?
Yes, Pulmicort is generally considered safe for long-term use in controlling asthma. However, your healthcare provider will monitor for potential side effects, such as adrenal suppression or growth suppression in children.
Can Pulmicort be used for other lung conditions?
Pulmicort is primarily used for asthma management. However, it may be prescribed off-label for other inflammatory lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), depending on the patient's condition and the healthcare provider's discretion.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does Pulmicort Work?
Pulmicort contains budesonide, a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation in the airways. It inhibits the release of inflammatory chemicals in the lungs, reducing swelling and mucus production. This helps to keep the airways open and makes it easier for individuals with asthma to breathe. As a maintenance therapy, Pulmicort helps to control chronic symptoms and prevent asthma flare-ups over time.
Common Dosages
- Pulmicort Flexhaler:
- 90 mcg per inhalation
- 180 mcg per inhalation
- Pulmicort Respules (nebulizer solution):
- 0.25 mg/2 mL
- 0.5 mg/2 mL
- 1 mg/2 mL
Typical Dosing
- Pulmicort Flexhaler (adults and children 6 years and older):
- The typical starting dose is 180 mcg to 360 mcg twice daily, which may be increased to 720 mcg twice daily based on the severity of asthma.
- Pulmicort Respules (children 12 months to 8 years):
- The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg once or twice daily, depending on asthma severity. The maximum recommended dose is 1 mg once daily.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children aged 6 years and older (for Pulmicort Flexhaler).
- Maintenance treatment of asthma in children aged 12 months to 8 years (for Pulmicort Respules).
Who Shouldn't Take Pulmicort?
- Hypersensitivity to budesonide or any of the components of the formulation.
- Acute asthma attacks: Pulmicort is not a rescue medication and should not be used to treat sudden symptoms of asthma.
Advice From The Pharmacist
- Use Pulmicort as directed by your healthcare provider, and do not use it as a rescue inhaler. It is meant for long-term control of asthma.
- Rinse your mouth with water after each use of Pulmicort to prevent fungal infections in the mouth (thrush). Spit out the water after rinsing.
- Use Pulmicort regularly for the best results. Do not stop using it without consulting your healthcare provider, even if your asthma symptoms improve.
- If you are using the Pulmicort Respules with a nebulizer, ensure the device is cleaned properly after each use.
- Store Pulmicort at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep the inhaler or nebulizer solution capped when not in use.
Side Effects of Pulmicort
Common Side Effects
- Throat irritation
- Cough
- Hoarseness
- Dry mouth
- Oral thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth)
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- Adrenal suppression: Long-term use of corticosteroids can suppress the adrenal glands, leading to fatigue, muscle weakness, and weight loss.
- Growth suppression in children: Inhaled corticosteroids like Pulmicort can potentially slow growth in children when used long-term.
- Vision changes: Corticosteroids may increase the risk of cataracts or glaucoma with prolonged use.
- Severe allergic reactions: Rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Risks and Warnings of Pulmicort
- Oral thrush: Pulmicort can increase the risk of developing a fungal infection in the mouth. To minimize this risk, rinse your mouth thoroughly after each use.
- Growth suppression in children: Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may affect growth in children. Growth should be monitored regularly.
- Systemic corticosteroid effects: Although rare, long-term use of high doses of Pulmicort may lead to systemic corticosteroid effects, such as adrenal suppression, increased risk of infection, or bone loss.
- Worsening of asthma: Do not stop using Pulmicort abruptly, as this may worsen asthma symptoms. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for tapering off the medication if needed.
Interactions with Pulmicort
Common Drug Interactions
- Other corticosteroids: Using Pulmicort with other corticosteroid medications (oral or injectable) can increase the risk of side effects such as adrenal suppression.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Medications like ketoconazole or ritonavir may increase the levels of budesonide in the body, leading to a higher risk of side effects.
Alternatives to Pulmicort
- Flovent (fluticasone): Another inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term asthma control.
- Qvar (beclomethasone): An inhaled corticosteroid for maintenance treatment of asthma.
- Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol): A combination inhaler containing both a corticosteroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol) for asthma and COPD management.
- Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol): Another combination inhaler for asthma and COPD management.
