How To Use Pulmicort
Complete Step-by-Step Usage Guide, Dosage Instructions & Safety Information
Key Takeaways: Using Pulmicort Correctly
- Preparation: New Turbohaler needs priming (twist base both ways twice).
- Daily use: Use every day, even if well – usually once or twice daily.
- Technique: Load dose, breathe out away from device, inhale deeply, hold breath, rinse mouth afterwards.
- Dosage: Adults: 1–2 puffs twice daily (max 1600 µg). Children 5–12: 1–2 puffs twice daily (max 800 µg).
- Safety: Do not use during acute asthma attack; always have reliever inhaler available.
Pulmicort Turbohaler is a preventer inhaler containing budesonide. Using it correctly ensures the medicine reaches your lungs to control inflammation. This guide explains exactly how to prepare, inhale, and care for your inhaler, plus important safety information.
Important Medical Advice
If you experience sudden wheezing after inhaling Pulmicort, use your reliever inhaler immediately and seek medical help. Also stop use and contact a doctor if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (possible allergic reaction).
How to Take Pulmicort: Step-by-Step Usage Guide
Correct inhalation technique is essential to get the full benefit of Pulmicort. Follow these steps every time you use your Turbohaler.
Preparing a new Turbohaler (first use only)
- Unscrew the white cover and lift it off.
- Hold the Turbohaler upright with the brown base at the bottom.
- Turn the brown base as far as it will go in one direction. Then turn it back as far as it will go in the other direction. You should hear a click. Repeat this procedure twice.
- The Turbohaler is now ready for use. Do not repeat this priming step again.
Taking a dose (each time you use it)
- Unscrew the cover and lift it off.
- Hold the inhaler upright with the brown base at the bottom. Do not hold the mouthpiece when loading.
- Load a dose: Turn the brown base as far as it will go in one direction, then turn it back as far as it will go in the other direction. You should hear a click. Your Turbohaler is now loaded.
- Breathe out gently away from the inhaler (as far as comfortable). Do not breathe out through the mouthpiece.
- Place the mouthpiece gently between your teeth, close your lips, and breathe in as deeply and forcefully as you can through your mouth. Do not chew or bite the mouthpiece.
- Remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out gently. You may not taste or feel the powder – this is normal. If you followed the steps, you have inhaled the dose.
- If a second inhalation is prescribed, repeat steps 2–6.
- Replace the cover by screwing it back on tightly after use.
- Rinse your mouth with water after inhaling your dose (do not swallow). This helps prevent oral thrush and hoarseness.
Cleaning and maintenance
Wipe the outside of the mouthpiece once a week with a dry tissue. Do not use water or liquids. The inhaler will still click even when empty; use the dose indicator to know when to replace it.
Dose indicator: When you first see a red mark in the indicator window, there are about 20 doses left. When the red mark reaches the bottom, you must start using a new Turbohaler.
🗒️ Tip: If you accidentally load the inhaler more than once before inhaling, you will still only receive one dose. Do not try to unload it.
Pulmicort Dosage Guide for Adults and Children
Always use Pulmicort exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. The dose will be based on your asthma severity and age.
Twice‑daily dosing (morning and evening)
| Age group | Usual dose | Maximum dose |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and children (13 years and above) | 1–2 inhalations twice daily | 1600 micrograms/day (e.g., 400 µg x 4) |
| Children (5–12 years) | 1–2 inhalations twice daily | 800 micrograms/day |
Once‑daily dosing (evening only) – if prescribed
| Age group | Usual dose | Maximum dose |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and children (13 years and above) | 1–2 inhalations in the evening | 800 micrograms/day |
| Children (5–12 years) | 1–2 inhalations in the evening | 400 micrograms/day |
Missed dose: If you forget a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose.
If you accidentally take more than prescribed: Contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Usually, a single extra dose is unlikely to cause problems, but prolonged overuse may suppress adrenal function.
Who Should Use Pulmicort?
Pulmicort is indicated for the regular (maintenance) treatment of asthma in adults and children aged 5 years and older. It is suitable for people whose asthma is not adequately controlled with occasional use of a reliever inhaler alone.
- Patients with persistent asthma requiring daily anti‑inflammatory therapy.
- Those who experience frequent asthma symptoms or night‑time awakenings.
- Children under specialist supervision, with dose adjusted by weight and response.
Your doctor may also prescribe Pulmicort if you need a corticosteroid to prevent exacerbations while using a long‑acting bronchodilator.
Who Should Not Use Pulmicort?
Do not use Pulmicort if:
- You are allergic to budesonide or any of the ingredients (Pulmicort Turbohaler contains no excipients, but rare hypersensitivity can occur).
- You have active untreated lung infections (e.g., tuberculosis).
- You are experiencing a sudden asthma attack – Pulmicort is not a reliever inhaler.
Consult your doctor before using if you have:
- Liver problems (may require dose adjustment).
- Any infection in the lungs (viral, bacterial, or fungal).
- Glaucoma, cataracts, or a family history of these.
- Recently used oral corticosteroids or high doses of inhaled steroids.
Should Pulmicort Be Taken with Food?
There are no known interactions between Pulmicort and food. However, to minimise the risk of oral thrush and hoarseness, it is important to rinse your mouth with water after each use – this washes away any drug deposited in the mouth and throat. Avoid swallowing the rinse water.
Taking Pulmicort with or without food does not affect its absorption, as the medicine is delivered directly to the lungs.
Special Conditions: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Liver Issues
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or planning a baby, use Pulmicort only if your doctor advises. Poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy poses greater risks to both mother and baby than the medication itself. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks.
Breastfeeding
Budesonide passes into breast milk in very small amounts that are not expected to harm the baby. It is generally considered safe to use Pulmicort while breastfeeding, but discuss with your healthcare provider.
Liver impairment
Because budesonide is extensively metabolised in the liver, severe liver disease may lead to increased systemic exposure. Your doctor may monitor you more closely or adjust your dose if necessary.
Other conditions
If you have a history of tuberculosis (TB) or other lung infections, your doctor will assess whether Pulmicort is appropriate. Inhaled corticosteroids can sometimes mask signs of infection.
Pulmicort Usage FAQs
How do I know when my Pulmicort Turbohaler is empty?
The dose indicator window shows a red mark when about 20 doses remain. When the red mark reaches the bottom, the inhaler is empty and must be replaced. The device will still click even when empty.
Can I use Pulmicort if I have a chest infection?
You should consult your doctor before using Pulmicort if you have an active lung infection. Treatment may need to be adjusted, and the infection treated separately.
What should I do if I forget a dose of Pulmicort?
If you miss a dose, simply skip it and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
Can I use my reliever inhaler at the same time as Pulmicort?
Yes, if you need quick relief, use your reliever inhaler (e.g., salbutamol). However, use Pulmicort first (if both are scheduled at the same time) and wait a few minutes between inhalers, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
How should I clean my Pulmicort Turbohaler?
Wipe the outside of the mouthpiece once a week with a dry tissue. Never use water or other liquids, as moisture can damage the powder.
Need Pulmicort or Asthma Support?
If you have been prescribed Pulmicort or think it might help your asthma, our UK‑registered doctors can provide an online consultation and prescription if appropriate.
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Medical Content Manager
Nabeel is a co-founder, and medical content manager of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
Medical Doctor
Dr. Feroz is a GMC-registered doctor and a medical reviewer at Chemist Doctor. He oversees acute condition and urgent care guidance.
Medical Director
Usman is a co-founder, and medical director of Chemist Doctor. He leads the organisation's strategic vision, bridging clinical and operational priorities.
Review Date: 08 March 2026
Next Review: 08 September 2026
Published on: 08 March 2026
Last Updated: 08 March 2026