Brand Name (s): Pulmicort Turbuhaler, Pulmicort Respules
Generic Name: Budesonide, Rhinocort

Budesonide. Common Uses.

Budesonide is a man-made glucocorticoid steroid related to the naturally-occurring hormone, cortisol or hydrocortisone which is produced in the adrenal glands. It is used for treating asthma by inhalation. Glucocorticoid steroids such as cortisol or budesonide have potent anti-inflammatory actions that reduces inflammation and hyper-reactivity (spasm) of the airways caused by asthma. When used as an inhaler, the budesonide goes directly to the inner lining of the inflamed airways to exert its effects. Only 39% of an inhaled dose of budesonide is absorbed into the body, and the absorbed budesonide contributes little to the effects on the airways.

Budesonide. How to Take.

Budesonide is used to prevent asthmatic attacks and should not be used to treat an acute attack of asthma. Effects can be seen within 24 hours, but maximum effects may not be seen for 1-2 weeks or longer. Doses vary widely. Adults usually receive 1-4 actuations (puffs) twice daily. Children usually receive 1-2 puffs twice daily. For those with mild asthma, treatment once daily may be sufficient.

Budesonide. Warning and Precautions.

If the youngster is switching to Budesonide from an oral steroid medication, the doctor will be careful to reduce the oral dosage very gradually. Taking oral steroids suppresses the natural production of steroids by the adrenal gland, and it takes months for production to return to normal after the oral steroids are stopped. In the meantime, the body will be unusually vulnerable to stress.

There have been reports of death during and immediately after transfer from oral steroids to inhaled steroids, so your doctor will monitor the child carefully during this period. People who have been taking high doses of oral steroids for an extended period of time are especially prone to problems, particularly when the oral steroids have been almost completely stopped. At that point, any stress from trauma, surgery, or infection (especially stomach or intestinal inflammation) is more likely to trigger adverse events.

If the child experiences a period of stress or a severe asthma attack during the switch to Budesonide, begin giving the oral medication again (in large doses) and contact your doctor immediately. The child should carry a medical identification card indicating that he or she may need additional medication during periods of stress or a severe asthma attack.

Transfer from oral steroids to Budesonide may unmask allergic conditions previously controlled by the oral drugs, such as nasal inflammation, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), and eczema. Transfer from oral steroids may also be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms, including joint or muscle pain, fatigue, and depression, even while Budesonide is improving the child's asthma symptoms.

Like other inhaled asthma medications, Pulmicort occasionally triggers an asthma attack. If this occurs, immediately administer a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator, stop using Budesonide, and contact your doctor. The youngster will need to switch to a different asthma medication. Also alert your doctor immediately if the usual doses of the child's fast-acting bronchodilator no longer work. Oral steroids may be needed for a while.

Steroid medications can stunt growth in children and teenagers. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose of Budesonide in order to minimize this problem, and will monitor the child's growth carefully.

In rare instances, inhaled steroids have been known to cause glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) and cataracts.

Budesonide. Missed Dose.

Give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once.

Budesonide. Overdose.

Excessive doses of steroid medications taken for long periods can stunt growth or cause a condition called Cushing's syndrome. Symptoms of this condition include weight gain, a "moon face," muscle wasting, weakness, and poor wound healing. If you think a problem is developing, check with your doctor immediately.

Budesonide. Storage.

Store Budesonide upright at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep unused Budesonide in the envelope protected from light.

Budesonide. Possible Side Effects.

The most commonly noted side effects associated with inhaled Budesonide are mild cough or wheezing; these effects may be minimized by using a bronchodilator inhaler, for example, albuterol (Ventolin), prior to the Budesonide. Oral candidiasis or thrush (a fungal infection of the throat) may occur in 1 in 25 persons who use Budesonide without a spacer device on the inhaler. The risk is even higher with large doses but is less in children than in adults. Hoarseness or sore throat also may occur in 1 in 10 persons. Using a spacer device on the inhaler and washing one's mouth out with water following each use reduces the risk of both thrush and hoarseness. Less commonly, alterations in voice may occur.

High doses of inhaled glucocorticoid steroids may decrease the formation and increase the breakdown of bone leading to weakened bones and ultimately osteoporosis and fractures. High doses may suppress the body's ability to make its own natural glucocorticoid in the adrenal gland. It is possible that these effects are shared by Budesonide. People with suppression of their adrenal glands (which can be tested for by the doctor) need increased amounts of glucocorticoid steroids orally or intravenously during periods of high physical stress, for example, during infections, to prevent serious illness and shock.

More Information about Budesonide.

This medication is not intended for women of child-bearing age, but you should know that budesonide is recommended during pregnancy only if clearly needed. In addition, steroids makes their way into breast milk and are not recommended for nursing mothers.

Disclaimer.

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information . It is not containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.