Pulmicort Respules (Budesonide)

What is Pulmicort Respules?

Pulmicort (budesonide) is a corticosteroid. It prevents the release of substances that cause inflammation in the body.

What is Pulmicort Respules used for?

Pulmicort is indicated for the prevention of asthma attacks. It is also used to control and prevent wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma.

How does Pulmicort Respules work?

Pulmicort works by reducing swelling of airways and thus makes breathing easier.

How to use Pulmicort Respules

Pulmicort should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is inhaled deeply by mouth, usually once or twice daily. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Do not use the medicine with a spacer.

Hold the inhaler device upright while taking the medicine. Make sure that you do not shake or drop the dose; otherwise you would be required to load another device. Do not use a damaged inhaler.

After using the medicine, rinse your mouth with water in order to lower the risk of developing a yeast infection. If you use a nebulizer with a face mask, wash the mask area of the face after each use.

Pulmicort Respules warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to budesonide. Prior to taking Pulmicort, tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis, liver disease, herpes simplex infection of eyes, history of tuberculosis, or any kind of fungal, viral or bacterial infection.

Avoid being close to people who are sick or have infections. If you get exposed to chicken pox or measles, contact your doctor right away as the condition may be fatal.

The medicine does not treat an asthma attack that has already begun. Therefore, do not take this drug if you are having an acute asthma attack. Do not give this medicine to children below the age of 6 years as this can affect their growth.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Pulmicort Respules dose?

If you have missed your Pulmicort dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Pulmicort Respules overdose?

An overdose of Pulmicort does not produce serious consequences. However, if you have taken a Pulmicort overdose you should seek medical attention.

Pulmicort Respules interactions

Before taking Pulmicort, consult your doctor if you are taking HIV or AIDS medication such as ritonavir (Norvir), or nelfinavir (Viracept); tricyclic antidepressant such as doxepin (Sinequan), amitriptyline (Vanatrip, Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil, Janimine), nortriptyline (Pamelor); SSRI antidepressant such as fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), or paroxetine (Paxil); or antibiotics such as erythromycin (Erythrocin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, EryPed), or clarithromycin (Biaxin); and antifungal medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox).

Do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Pulmicort Respules side effects

Pulmicort side effects include hives, wheezing, fever, pain in ears, weakness, problems with vision, or worsening respiratory symptoms, breathing trouble; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Pulmicort, contact your doctor.

Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, nosebleed, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, hoarseness, white patches or sores in mouth or on lips are some less serious side effects of Pulmicort.