by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: September 06, 2010

What is Pulmicort?

Pulmicort is a medicine used to prevent asthmatic attacks and it contains budesonide as the active ingredient. The drug falls into the category of corticosteroids and is available as a solution in ‘Pulmicort respules’ or else as a dry powder variety known as ‘Pulmicort flexhaler’.

The drug acts by reducing the inflammation that takes place during an asthmatic attack and due to the time it takes for its action, it is not suitable to treat acute emergencies. But, according to research, asthmatic patients taking Pulmicort have lesser frequency in asthmatic attacks than the others who don’t use Pulmicort, although these findings needs to be further substantiated before coming to a conclusion.

How is the drug taken?

Pulmicord respules are used with a nebulizing device which will convert the liquid in the ampoules to a aerosol which can be inhaled into the lungs by the patient. Similarly, the dry powder variety will also make use of an inhaler which will allow the patient to inhale the medicine with the force of his or her breath. In both these instances, the drug will be directed straight to the lungs and therefore its side effects through systemic absorption would be minimal.

But, as with any other medication, Pulmicort would also have its own side effects of which most are mild and transient which usually would not require any additional measures to treat.

What are the side effects of Pulmicort?

When considering the side effects of Pulmicort, the commonest side effects reported through clinical trials has been an irritated and a runny nose which is closely followed by coughing. Furthermore, the trials have also found an increase incidence of viral infections as well as fungal infections such as oral thrush among the users of Pulmocort. Apart from these, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ear infections, abdominal pain and bleeding from the nose have also been reported.

When considering some of the serious side effects due to the use of Pulmocort, allergic reactions should also be mentioned even though its incidence is rather rare. Therefore, in case you develop itching of the skin, hives, swelling of the lips, face and throat or else a worsening of breathing, one should seek medical treatment as soon as possible due to the possibility of developing dangerous anaphylactic reactions.

At the same time, use of Pulmicort had also given rise to several other side effects such as mood changes, weight gain, dry skin, lack of sleep, migraine headache…etc which can most likely be the result of long term use of steroids.

How to avoid side effects when using Pulmocort?

The best advice that can be given to the users of Pulmocort would be to stick with the prescribed dose and not to increase, decrease or stop suddenly without consulting your doctor first. At the same time, rinsing the mouth thoroughly following the use of flexhaler would be useful in preventing the development of oral thrush and other related infections.

Learn more about this author, Dr Pandula Siribaddana.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.