Generic Pulmicort

Common use

Pulmicort is a corticosteroid which used to help prevent the symptoms of asthma. It will have no effect if asthma attacks have already started. Pulmicort decreases irritation and swelling in the airways, which helps to control or prevent asthma symptoms.



Dosage and directions

Consult with your doctor before using. Usual dose depends on your previous treatments for asthma.

The recommended starting dose in adults and children 12 years of age and older is 400 to 2400 mcg daily, divided into 2 to 4 puffs. The suggested dose in children 6 to 12 years of age is 200 to 400 mcg daily, divided into 2 puffs.

Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It's very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It help you to get best results.



Precautions

Before you use this drug, tell your doctor your medical history including: all illnesses or infections, recent exposures to contagious diseases (e.g., chickenpox), glaucoma, cataracts, any allergies (especially drug allergies). If you changed an oral corticosteroid to this inhaler about a year ago, or if you've been using th inhaler in higher doses and in a moment stopped usage of it, your natural steroids may not be produced in enough quantity. Some additional corticosteroids may be needed to take, especially if stress of your body because of infection, injury or surjery. Sometimes during such stresses death can occur due to low level of steroids. Consult to your doctor immediately if you have any of side effects such as strange weakness, quick weight loss, dizziness.



Contraindications

Don't use Pulmicort if you have allergy to budesonide. Not to be used in primary treatment of acute episodes of asthma or in patients with moderate to severe bronchiectasis, active or quiescent pulmonary tuberculosis, untreated fungal, bacterial or viral infections of the respiratory system.



Possible side effects

They may include an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat . Also the most possible side effects include:

weakness, tired feeling, nausea, vomiting, feeling like you might pass out;

wheezing or breathing problems after using Pulmicort;

worsening respiratory symptoms;

ear pain with fever;

vision problems; or

changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

Less serious include:

white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

runny or stuffy nose, sneezing;

sore throat, cough;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

nosebleed; or

headache.

If you experience one of them stop using Pulmicort and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also consult with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.



Drug interactions

Pulmicort interact with the following medicines: the stomach medicine cimetidine; an antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole or itraconazole (Sporanox); an AIDS or HIV medicine such as amprenavir, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir or saquinavir; or the antibiotic erythromycin. Also note that interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Consult with your doctor about how it interactions are being managed or should be managed.



Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.



Overdose

If you take more dose you need in long period of time can stunt growth or cause a condition called Cushing's syndrome. If you experience such symptoms as weight gain, a "moon face," muscle wasting, weakness, poor wound healing,menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex call your doctor immediately.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)