Pulmicort

Pulmicort is a corticosteroid medicine that reduces and prevents inflammation in the airways caused by asthma.

Form
sumutinsuspensio
Strength
0.5 mg/ml
Active Ingredient
Budesonide
Manufacturer
AstraZeneca Oy

How to Use

Dosage

Adults and elderly: 1-2 mg daily. Children (over 6 months): 0.25-0.5 mg daily.

Method

Use only with a nebulizer. Rinse your mouth with water after each use. If you use a face mask, rinse your face too, to help prevent fungal infections and skin irritation.

Important

Adults and elderly: Up to 4 mg daily. Children (over 6 months): Up to 2 mg daily.

Possible Side Effects

COMMON
  • Throat irritation
  • Cough
  • Fungal infection in mouth and throat
  • Pneumonia (in COPD patients)
RARE
  • Cataracts (clouding of the eye lens)
  • Blurred vision
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tremor (shaking)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Bruising
  • Allergic reactions like rash
  • Restlessness, nervousness, behavioral problems (especially in children)
  • Tightening of airways (bronchospasm) from inhaled medicine
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Hoarseness
  • Signs of corticosteroids affecting the whole body (e.g., adrenal gland problems, slower growth in children)
  • Sleep problems
  • Restlessness (psychomotor hyperactivity)
  • Aggression
  • Glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
  • Facial skin irritation (if using a face mask with the nebulizer)
  • General symptoms like tiredness, headache, nausea, or vomiting

Important Warnings

  • Do not use if you are allergic to budesonide or any other ingredient in this medicine.
  • Tell your doctor if you have had unusual reactions to budesonide or other medicines before.
  • Tell your doctor if you have recently had an infection, have liver disease, lung tuberculosis, or a fungal or viral infection in your airways.
  • Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other eye problems.

Use in Elderly Patients

Category A

Suitable for older adults. Consider possible systemic adverse effects with high doses. (updated 15.5.2023)