Pulmicort: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What's the drug for

Pulmicort is an aerosol drug that is used to control and prevent asthma symptoms. Pulmicort contains budesonide which belongs to the corticosteroid class.

This drug works with a nebulizer and is directed directly to the target organs, namely the lungs, to make breathing easier and reduce irritation and swelling of the respiratory tract.

How are the rules of use

To use Pulmicort Flexhaler, please observe the following steps:

• Make sure you do a test run of the inhaler first.
• Open the cover of the inhaler funnel. Then, shake and spray the inhaler, but make sure it doesn't hit your face.
• When using the inhaler, sit in an upright position and breathe slowly. Shake the inhaler 4-5 times to make sure the medicine in it is completely mixed.
• Hold the inhaler in a standing position, and use your thumbs to hold the bottom of the inhaler. Place the funnel into the mouth. Do not bite the inhaler funnel.
• Just as you inhale, squeeze the inhaler spray. After that, breath tan for a few seconds.
• If your doctor has prescribed 2 sprays, wait about 1.5 minutes before you start spraying again.

This drug must be used regularly for the results to be effective. The effect of this drug will not be felt immediately and is not used to immediately treat sudden asthma attacks.

How to save

Pulmicort is a drug that is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

How many doses

The dosage can vary according to the patient's condition. Usually when used by inhalation, 0.5 mg daily or 0.25 mg twice daily.

How many doses

The dosage for children is 0.25 mg once a day.

In what dosage and preparation

Pulmicort is a drug that comes in the following shapes and sizes:

Suspension for nebulization: 0.25 mg / 2 mL, 0.5 mg / 2 mL

Powder for inhalation: 90 mcg / puff, 180 mcg / puff

Side effects

What are the side effects

Like medicines in general, Pulmicort is a drug that has the potential to cause side effects in some people. The symptoms and severity of side effects may vary from person to person.

The side effects that can occur are:

• dry throat
• changes to the sound
• hoarseness
• the taste buds get worse
• cold
• nosebleed

In some cases there is also a weakening of the immune system so that it can reduce the ability to fight infectious diseases, especially in the respiratory tract, for example the yeast infection Candida albicans on the tongue.

Other side effects include feeling very tired, breathing problems, ear pain, and vision problems.

Not everyone experiences side effects when using this drug. There may also be some side effects not mentioned above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using

This drug is indicated not for treating acute bronchospasm because of its long-term effects. Because the content of this drug is a corticosteroid drug category, you need to take it according to the rules and according to the doctor's instructions.

Consumption of corticosteroid drugs not according to the rules can result in changes in the body's important hormones and change body functions.

Is this drug

Babies born to mothers who use corticosteroid drugs for a long time may experience the impact of hormonal changes.

Contact your doctor immediately if you get symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or feeling weak.

This medicine can also be passed to babies through breast milk. Though corticosteroid drugs should not be given to just anyone without certain health symptoms.

Always consult your doctor or midwife before using any medicine, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

What drugs should not be taken at the same time

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Some of the products that may interact with this drug are:

• drug monoamine oxidase inhibitor or MAOI (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• tricyclic antidepressant drugs (amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine)

What foods and drinks should not be consumed while using

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your doctor.

Are there any specific health conditions you should avoid

Do not use this medication if you have a budesonide allergy or if:

• have a severe allergy to milk protein
• when having a sudden asthma attack

To make sure this drug is safe for you, consult a doctor immediately if you have any of the following conditions:

Liver disease (liver)

If you suffer from liver or liver disease, you should avoid taking Pulmicort drugs. According to Drugs.com, this is because the drug may not be processed properly in the liver, resulting in an increase in side effects.

Hyperadrenocorticism

The use of inhaled corticosteroid medications, including Pulmicort, may worsen the condition of patients with hyperadrenocorticism.

Infection

Patients with any infection caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites, should also not use inhaled corticosteroid drugs, including Pulmicort.

Corticosteroid drugs trigger an immunosuppressant effect. This means that your body is increasingly susceptible to infection which is much more severe.

Other diseases that have the potential to trigger interactions with Pulmicort are:

• osteoporosis
• glaucoma
• food or drug allergies
• have had tuberculosis
• smoke

Overdose

What are the symptoms of an overdose

Excessive consumption of corticosteroid type drugs such as Pulmicort can cause overdose symptoms such as the following:

• thinning skin
• itchy rash
• changes in the location of body fat (especially on the face, neck, back or waist)
• increased acne or mustache and beard
• menstrual problems
• impotence
• loss of sexual desire

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In an emergency or overdose situation, call 119 or rush to the nearest hospital.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you just remember when it's time for the next dose, just ignore the missed dose, and continue taking it as scheduled. Do not use this drug in double doses.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.