Indications  

Pulmicort Respules is a prescribed medication for managing and preventing asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath in children 12 months to 8 years old. 

As a corticosteroid, Pulmicort Respules alleviates respiratory discomfort by directly targeting and reducing airway inflammation and swelling, thereby facilitating easier breathing. 

Pulmicort Respules are not intended for immediate relief of asthma attacks. In the event of an asthma attack, adhere to the prescribed usage of your quick-relief inhaler. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before using Pulmicort Respules and with each prescription refill, carefully review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor or pharmacist if anything is unclear to you. 

The dosage of Pulmicort Respules is determined based on the child’s medical condition and response to treatment. 

This medication requires a jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor with sufficient airflow and a mouthpiece or appropriate face mask for administration. 

Typically, Pulmicort Respules is administered once or twice daily as prescribed by the doctor. 

To properly administer Pulmicort Respules, follow these steps: 

1. Take out one ampule of inhalation suspension from the foil pouch. 
2. Shake the ampule in a circular motion before use. 
3. Hold the ampule upright and twist off the top to open it. 
4. Pour all the liquid into the nebulizer reservoir. 
5. Attach the nebulizer reservoir to either the mouthpiece or face mask. 
6. Attach the nebulizer to the compressor. 
7. Place the mouthpiece in your child’s mouth or use a face mask. 
8. Ensure your child sits comfortably in an upright position and turn on the compressor. 
9. Instruct your child to breathe calmly, deeply, and evenly until mist stops forming in the chamber. 
10. To avoid dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections, advise your child to gargle and rinse their mouth with water, spitting it out after each use.  
    • Refrain from swallowing the rinse water. 
    • Cleanse the areas of the face that have come into contact with the mask’s mouthpiece to prevent skin reactions and irritation. 
11. Safely dispose of the empty ampule and its top in a trash can inaccessible to children and pets. 
12.  Regularly clean your nebulizer as per the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have any queries regarding the cleaning process, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance. 

To achieve the best outcome, ensure regular administration of Pulmicort Respules at consistent times daily. Refrain from increasing the prescribed dosage, using it more frequently, or discontinuing usage without consulting your doctor beforehand. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Pulmicort Inhaler. If any of them last or worsen, promptly inform your doctor. 

Common Side Effects 

• Runny or stuffy nose 
• Sneezing 
• Cough 
• Sore throat 
• Dry throat 
• Nosebleed 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain 
• Oral lesions or ulcers 
• Headache 
• Hoarseness 
• Voice alterations 
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth 

Serious Side Effects 

• Fungal infections, notably Candida spp 
• Bacterial infections 
• Severe allergies 
• Ear infections 
• Endocrine disorders 
• Growth disorders 
• Eye disorders 
• Depression 
• Immune depression 

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the serious side effects listed above. 

Allergic Reactions 

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Pulmicort Respules may occur. Seek prompt medical help if you experience indications of an allergic reaction, such as: 

• Rash 
• Face, tongue, or throat itching or swelling  
• Severe dizziness 
• Trouble breathing 

Not all side effects of Pulmicort Respules are included in this list. Inform your doctor right away if any unlisted effects are observed. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Pulmicort Respules, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to budesonide and other medications. 

Talk to your pharmacist for more information, as Pulmicort Respules may contain inactive components that may cause allergic reactions or other complications. 

To ensure Pulmicort Respules is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Eye disease (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma) 
• High blood pressure 
• Liver disease 
• Thyroid problems 
• Diabetes 
• Stomach or intestinal problems (e.g., diverticulitis, ulcer) 
• Bone loss (osteoporosis) 
• Current or past infections (e.g., tuberculosis, positive tuberculosis test, herpes, fungal) 
• Bleeding problems 
• Mental or mood conditions (e.g., psychosis, anxiety, depression) 

Pulmicort Respules may interact with certain products such as aldesleukin and mifepristone. To minimize the risk of such interactions, inform all healthcare providers about all your medications, including prescriptions/nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, whether recently initiated or discontinued. 

Inform laboratory staff and your physicians about your use of Pulmicort Respules, as it may potentially affect specific lab tests like skin tests. 

Pulmicort Respules can mask signs of infection and increase the risk of contracting or worsening infections. Avoid contact with individuals who have highly contagious infections like chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or flu. Consult a healthcare professional if you have been exposed to an infection or need further information. 

Before getting any immunizations, inform your healthcare provider about your usage of Pulmicort Respules. Moreover, avoid individuals who have recently been administered live vaccines like the nasal flu vaccine. 

Extended use of Pulmicort Respules may temporarily affect a child’s growth. Regular doctor visits are recommended to monitor your child’s height. 

Pulmicort Respules should only be used when necessary during pregnancy. Consult with your doctor to evaluate its risks and benefits. 

Prior to breastfeeding, consult your doctor as budesonide is transferred into breast milk.