Pulmicort

Drug Uses

 

Pulmicort is a corticosteroid that is used to prevent asthma attacks. It reduces and prevents the release of certain chemicals which cause inflammation, irritation and swelling in the airways. Please note that it cannot stop an asthma attack that has already begun.

 

How it is taken

The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor. Inhale Pulmicort through the mouth.

A new inhaler needs to be primed before you can use it for the first time. Lift off the inhaler cover. Hold the mouthpiece on top and turn the grip fully in one direction, then fully in the other direction until it clicks.

It does not matter which way you turn it first. Repeat.

Do not reprime the inhaler. You will only need to prime the inhaler once, even if you do not use it for a long period of time.

Now it is ready to use.

To use a dose, repeat the above procedure until it clicks. Do NOT shake the inhaler. Turn your head away from the inhaler and breathe out fully.

Place the mouthpiece between your lips and inhale forcefully and deeply. You may not feel the medicine. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out.

Do NOT breathe out through the inhaler. Do not bite or chew the mouthpiece.

If more than 1 inhalation is needed to complete your dose, then repeat the steps.
Replace the mouthpiece cover after each use.
Rinse your mouth with water after each use to help prevent mouth or throat infections.

Do not swallow the rinse water. Spit it out.
Keep the inhaler clean and dry at all times.

Use the dose counter on the bottle to keep track of how many doses are left in your inhaler. The counter will start moving after intervals of about 5 doses.

Do not use this inhaler after the number "0" on the red background has reached the middle of the dose counter window. It may no longer give the correct amount of medicine with each dose.

Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Pulmicort is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, irritation and swelling in the airways. This helps to prevent and control the symptoms of asthma.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Pulmicort then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Replace the cover each time. Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

 

 

 Warnings/Precautions

 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have increased pressure in the eye, glaucoma, cataracts, a herpes infection of the eye, a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection, a viral infection (eg, chickenpox, shingles), diarrhea, measles, tuberculosis, or osteoporosis, if you have had a positive tuberculosis skin test or have recently taken a vaccine.

 

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Pulmicort and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Pulmicort is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Pulmicort and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking especially any of the following.

Hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills, patches, implants), imidazole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole, itraconazole), or macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin, clarithromycin) because it increases the chances of experiencing the side effects of the drug.

Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because they decrease the effectiveness of the drug.

Live vaccines or ritodrine because Pulmicort increases the chances of their side effects.
 

 

 Possible Side Effects

 

 

Some of the common side effects of are nasal congestion, throat irritation. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

 

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), depression, ear pain or discharge, mental or mood changes, new or worsening asthma symptoms (eg, increased wheezing), severe or persistent diarrhea or stomach pain, shortness of breath after using Pulmicort Flexhaler Powder, signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, or sore throat), vision changes, white patches in the mouth or throat.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.