Budesonide, a corticosteroid, is used to prevent airway inflammation, wheezing, shortness of breath, or troubled breathing caused by asthma or other lung diseases. It will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started.

Budesonide (Pulmicort Turbuhaler or Pulmicort Respules) should be used daily, at intervals specified by your doctor. Generally, budesonide is taken once each day or two times a day.

The dose of these medicines will be different for different patients. Always follow the doctor's orders or the directions on the label. Contact your doctor our pharmacist with specific questions related to medication dosage.

Typically, Pulmicort Turbuhaler is used in patients 6 years of age and older.

In children, 1 - 2 inhalations of Pulmicort Turbuhaler once or divided over two times a day is the usual dose.

In adults, 1 - 4 inhalations of Pulmicort Turbuhaler once or divided over two times a day is the usual dose.

Typically, Pulmicort Respules are used in children 12 months to 8 years of age.

Pulmicort Respules are inhaled through a nebulizer using 0.5 mg - 1.0 mg a day, taken once daily or divided into two doses each day.

It is important to take budesonide (Pulmicort Turbuhaler or Pulmicort Respules) as your doctor has instructed you to.

Pulmicort Turbuhaler is a dry powder inhaler. The dose must be loaded by twisting the brown grip at the base of the Turbuhaler to the right and then back again to the left, until a click is heard. Then, hold the Turbuhaler horizontally and place the mouthpiece into your mouth. Inhale deeply and forcefully. Always rinse your mouth after using Pulmicort Turbuhaler.

To view a diagram and specific instructions for using the Turbuhaler, click on the following link: http://msrcnet.com/Resources/Pt_Ed/Turbuhaler.asp

Pulmicort Respules come in a solution containing 0.25 mg. or 0.5 mg. of budesonide (Pulmicort). This medication is breathed in through a nebulizer with a mask or mouthpiece, and is inhaled over a period of 5 to 15 minutes. Always rinse your mouth after a nebulizer treatment with Pulmicort Respules.

Use this medicine routinely, as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much may cause serious side effects. Do not stop taking this medication without first checking with your doctor.

Side effects from budesonide are not common. Contact your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe:

• dry, or irritated throat and mouth
• cough
• difficult or painful speech
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• agitation

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

• skin rash
• increased difficulty breathing
• white spots or sores in your mouth
• swollen face, lower legs, ankles
• vision problems
• muscle weakness

Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Budesonide should not be used to stop an asthma episode that has already started or to relieve sudden asthma symptoms. Check with your doctor if your condition reappears or worsens after the dose has been reduced or treatment with this medicine has stopped. Contact your doctor if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles.

Keep out of the reach of children. Store this medication away from heat and direct light. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.