Pulmicort

Pulmicort is a prescription medication used to prevent asthma attacks before they start, rather than treating them once they occur. By opening up the airways and allowing more air to get into and through the lungs, the medication can make it easier for people with asthma to breathe. The medication comes in two forms -- the Pulmicort Flexhaler and Pulmicort Respules. Pulmicort is used once or twice a day every day. Possible side effects of the medicine include a sore throat, coughing, and viral infections.

 

What Is Pulmicort?

Pulmicort® (budesonide inhalation) is a prescription medication used to prevent asthma attacks. Pulmicort comes in two forms -- the Pulmicort Flexhaler® (a special kind of inhaler) and Pulmicort Respules® that are inhaled using a nebulizer (a device that changes liquid medications into fine droplets that are inhaled into the lungs). The Pulmicort Flexhaler has replaced the Pulmicort Turbuhaler®, which is no longer manufactured.
 
(Click Pulmicort Uses for more information on what Pulmicort is used for, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

Who Makes Pulmicort?

Pulmicort is made by AstraZeneca.
 

How Does Pulmicort Work?

Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. However, when you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). This inflammation makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating (see Asthma Triggers). When the airways react, a few things happen -- the muscles around these airways tighten, inflammation inside the airways increases, and the cells inside the airways produce more mucus. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe.
 
Pulmicort is an asthma medication that belongs to a group of drugs called inhaled corticosteroids, or steroids for short. Inhaled steroids go directly into the lungs and help to decrease the inflammation of airways that makes asthma attacks more likely. Because Pulmicort does not work quickly, it should not be used for treating an asthma attack. Rather, it is used once or twice a day in order to prevent asthma attacks.
 
Because Pulmicort is inhaled directly into the lungs, the rest of the body is exposed to lower steroid levels, compared to steroids taken by mouth. This helps reduce or eliminate many of the side effects associated with long-term steroid use.
 
(Click Asthma Treatment for information about other medicines used for treating asthma.)
 

Pulmicort Effects

In clinical studies, people taking Pulmicort had improvements in breathing and asthma symptoms, compared to those not taking Pulmicort. However, Pulmicort is not an asthma cure.
 

When and How to Take Pulmicort

Pulmicort comes in two formulations -- the Pulmicort Flexhaler and Pulmicort Respules (both are approved for use in children).
 
How to Use the Pulmicort Flexhaler
Some general considerations for when and how to use the Pulmicort Flexhaler include the following:
 
  • The Pulmicort Flexhaler contains a dry powder that is inhaled using the force of your breath.
     
  • The Pulmicort Flexhaler is used twice a day every day. It is used to prevent asthma attacks, not to treat them.
     
  • Rinse your mouth (without swallowing) after each Pulmicort dose in order to prevent thrush.
     
  • It is important to learn exactly how to use your Pulmicort inhaler. It may be difficult at first and may require some practice.
     
  • The spray should be inhaled into the lungs, not sprayed onto the back of the throat and swallowed. To accomplish this, you will need to breathe in while spraying the inhaler.
     
  • Each inhaler contains 60 or 120 sprays (depending on the strength). Each Pulmicort inhaler has a built-in dose counter that keeps track of how many inhalations have been dispensed. It starts at "60" or "120" and counts down to "0," at which point it should no longer be used.
     
  • For Pulmicort to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Pulmicort will not work if you stop taking it.
     
How to Use Pulmicort Respules
Some general considerations for when and how to use Pulmicort Respules include the following:
 
  • Pulmicort Respules contain a liquid form of Pulmicort that is used in a nebulizer. You will need to purchase or rent a nebulizer in order to use Pulmicort Respules.
     
  • Pulmicort Respules should only be used with jet nebulizers (the most common type of nebulizers), rather than ultrasonic nebulizers.
     
  • Pulmicort Respules are usually used once or twice a day. Gently shake each Pulmicort Respule in a circular motion before use.
     
  • Make sure you know exactly how to use and clean the nebulizer.
     
  • Your child's mouth should be rinsed after each dose of Pulmicort.
     
  • For Pulmicort Respules to work properly, they must be taken as prescribed. Pulmicort Respules will not work if you stop taking them.
     

Pulmicort Dosing

The dose of Pulmicort your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Whether you are taking Pulmicort Respules or the Pulmicort Flexhaler
  • The severity of your asthma
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Pulmicort dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Pulmicort Dosage for more information about dosing for Pulmicort.)
 

Side Effects of Pulmicort

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Pulmicort. However, not everyone who takes Pulmicort will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When Pulmicort side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Pulmicort include, but are not limited to:
 
  • A sore throat and an irritated or runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Viral infections
  • Thrush.
     
(Click Pulmicort Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of Pulmicort, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Pulmicort

Pulmicort can potentially interact with several other medicines.
 
(Click Pulmicort Drug Interactions for more information about Pulmicort and other medicines.)
 

Pulmicort: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Pulmicort if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Pulmicort Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Pulmicort.)
 

Overdose With Pulmicort

In studies, high doses of Pulmicort did not cause serious problems. However, if you happen to overdose on Pulmicort, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Pulmicort Overdose for more information.)
 

Pulmicort: Storage Methods

Pulmicort should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Once a foil package of Pulmicort Respules is opened, it should be used within two weeks (or discarded). Once a foil package is opened, keep the remaining unused Pulmicort Respules in the opened foil package to protect them from light.
 
Keep Pulmicort and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Pulmicort: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Pulmicort as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Pulmicort.
 

Pulmicort Strengths

Pulmicort Flexhalers are available in two strengths:
 
  • Pulmicort 90 mcg Flexhaler -- containing 60 inhalations, with 90 mcg per inhalation
  • Pulmicort 180 mcg Flexhaler -- containing 120 inhalations, with 180 mcg per inhalation.
     
Pulmicort Respules are available in two strengths:
 
  • Pulmicort Respules 0.25 mg per 2 mL vial
  • Pulmicort Respules 0.5 mg per 2 mL vial.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Pulmicort?

Currently, there is no generic Pulmicort licensed for sale. Although the first patents for Pulmicort have already expired, there are no generic versions currently available. It is unknown when generic Pulmicort may become available.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;