Pulmicort Turbohaler (Budesonide Inhaler)

What is Pulmicort?

Pulmicort Turbohaler is an inhaler device containing the active ingredient budesonide. Budesonide belongs to a class of medicines known as corticosteroids. Unlike reliever inhalers that provide quick relief during an asthma attack, Pulmicort is a preventer inhaler.

Mechanism of Action with Patient-Friendly Analogy

Think of asthma as a constant, low-level "fire" of inflammation in your airways. When you encounter a trigger (like pollen or cold air), this fire flares up, causing swelling and mucus production that narrows your airways, leading to symptoms. Pulmicort works like a fire retardant. The budesonide it contains is absorbed by the airway cells and helps to "dampen" this inflammatory fire, making your airways less sensitive and less likely to react severely to triggers.

Biological Pathway Explanation

Budesonide mimics the action of natural cortisol, a hormone that regulates inflammation. It enters inflammatory cells in the lungs and binds to specific receptors. This complex then moves into the cell's nucleus and switches off the genes responsible for producing inflammatory proteins (like cytokines and leukotrienes). By reducing the production of these substances, budesonide effectively decreases swelling and irritation in the bronchial tubes, preventing asthma symptoms from developing.

What is Pulmicort Used For?

Pulmicort Turbohaler is used for the regular treatment of asthma to prevent symptoms from occurring.

Approved Patient Groups

Before Using Pulmicort

Essential considerations before initiating treatment:

Medical History Assessment

• Current lung infection, tuberculosis (TB), or any other chronic lung disease
• Severe liver problems
• Any allergies to budesonide or other medicines

Pulmicort Contraindications

Absolute contraindications where Pulmicort must not be used:

Absolute Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity (allergy) to budesonide or any of the ingredients

Special Warnings

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients

• No specific dose adjustment typically needed
• General precautions apply

Renal/Hepatic Impairment

• Patients with liver disease should be closely monitored
• Budesonide is metabolised in the liver

Pediatric Patients

• Can be used in children from 5 years of age
• At recommended pediatric doses

Pulmicort and Other Medicines

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take. Key interactions include:

High-Risk Combinations

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole for fungal infections; ritonavir, cobicistat for HIV). These can increase budesonide levels in your blood.
• Other systemic corticosteroids (tablets or injections) may increase the risk of side effects.

Your doctor may monitor you more closely if you are taking these medications.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning a baby, you should only use Pulmicort if your doctor advises it is clearly necessary.
• Do not stop using Pulmicort if you become pregnant but speak to your doctor immediately for review.

Breastfeeding

• Budesonide may pass into breast milk, but at therapeutic doses, it is unlikely to affect the infant.
• Consult your doctor for advice.

Driving & Machine Operation

• Pulmicort Turbohaler is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Pulmicort Ingredients

Active Substance

• Budesonide

Other Ingredients

The Pulmicort Turbohaler contains only budesonide as a dry powder.

How to Use Pulmicort Turbohaler

Preparation Steps

1. Unscrew and lift off the white cover
2. Hold the inhaler upright
3. Turn the brown grip fully in one direction and then back again (you will hear a click)

Inhalation Technique

• Breathing: Breathe out gently, away from the mouthpiece
• Inhalation: Place the mouthpiece between your lips and breathe in deeply and forcefully
• Hold: Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds if possible, then breathe out slowly

Post-Inhalation Protocol

1. Replace the cover
2. Rinse your mouth with water after use to prevent oral thrush

Pulmicort Dosage Guidelines

Twice-Daily Dosing:

Once-Daily Dosing (Evening):

If your asthma worsens, your doctor may advise you to double your dose temporarily.

Administration Instructions

Step-by-step inhalation guide:

Dose Preparation

1. Unscrew and lift off the white cover
2. Hold the inhaler upright
3. Turn the brown grip fully in one direction and then back again
4. You will hear a click indicating the dose is ready

Inhalation Process

1. Breathe out gently, away from the mouthpiece
2. Place the mouthpiece between your lips
3. Breathe in deeply and forcefully
4. Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds if possible
5. Breathe out slowly

Post-Inhalation Care

• Replace the cover tightly
• Rinse your mouth with water to prevent oral thrush
• Do not exhale into the Turbohaler

Missed Dose Management

General Principles

• Do NOT double doses

Time-Based Guidance

If you forget a dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time.

Overdose Information

Symptoms

• An overdose is unlikely with inhalation
• Long-term overdose can lead to systemic corticosteroid effects like hypercorticism (Cushing's syndrome)

Management

1. If you use much more than prescribed, contact your doctor or pharmacist
2. Symptomatic treatment if necessary

Possible Side Effects

Common (May affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth)
• Mild sore throat, hoarse voice, coughing

Uncommon (May affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Anxiety, nervousness, depression
• Tremor, blurred vision, cataract
• Skin bruising

Serious Side Effects

Long-term high-dose use may affect steroid hormone production, potentially impacting bone density, eye pressure, and growth in children.

How to Store Pulmicort

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C
• Keep the cover tightly closed when not in use
• Do not use after the expiry date

Disposal

• Do not throw in household waste
• Return to a pharmacy for disposal

Pack Information

Pack Sizes

• Pulmicort Turbohaler 100 mcg: 200 doses per device
• Pulmicort Turbohaler 200 mcg: 100 doses per device
• Pulmicort Turbohaler 400 mcg: 50 doses per device

Appearance

• The device has a white body with a brown base
• Dose indicator window

Where Can I Buy Pulmicort Online in the UK