Pulmicort Turbuhaler Description

Pulmicort Turbuhaler belongs to a group of medications called inhaled corticosteroids that may be prescribed to treat asthma. It is a preventative medication that is used every day to reduce inflammation in the lungs and prevent asthma attacks. When used regularly, Pulmicort Turbuhaler will reduce the number and severity of asthma attacks. It will not relieve an asthma attack once it has already started.

Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands. They have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Budesonide, the active ingredient in the Pulmicort Turbuhaler or generic Budesonide is a synthetic corticosteroid that is used to decrease inflammation in the lungs. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Inhaled Corticosteroids Work

Pulmicort is inhaled directly into your lungs using the Turbuhaler which allows the medicine to act where it is needed most. This synthetic hormone binds to certain receptor sites on body cells. As a response, your immune system then stops the release of inflammatory chemicals. Pulmicort Turbuhaler also reduces the potential for side effects occurring in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed into the blood through the lungs is lower than if it is taken by mouth.

About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition for which there is no cure, only treatment. Inflammation, increased mucus, and muscle tightening cause the airways to narrow and as a result, air can't move through the lungs as well as it should, which makes it difficult to breathe.

Those with asthma may find that the airways tighten due to inflammation and can also be blocked by mucus, making it difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By preventing the inflammation and excess mucus formation, Budesonide makes it easier to breathe and helps prevent asthma attacks.

Before You Use Pulmicort Turbuhaler

Before you start treatment with Pulmicort Turbuhaler, advise your doctor if you have any of the following; liver disease, osteoporosis, history of tuberculosis, or any type of infection. Pulmicort Turbuhaler is not recommended for use by children under five years of age.

Pulmicort Turbuhaler is known to interact with several different medications, including certain drugs prescribed to treat HIV, fungal infections, depression, and bacterial infections. You should discuss this with your doctor and provide information regarding any OTC or Rx drugs, herbal remedies, and vitamin supplements you currently take or use. You will also want to avoid eating grapefruit, which may decrease the drug’s efficacy.

Proper Use of Pulmicort Turbuhaler

Pulmicort Turbuhaler will not relieve an asthma attack or breathing difficulties. An asthma attack needs to be treated with a rescue inhaler containing medicine that quickly opens the airways, such as Salbutamol or Terbutaline. Talk to your doctor if you need to use Pulmicort Turbuhaler more frequently than normal, or if it becomes less effective at treating attacks, as this may indicate that your asthma is getting worse and your doctor may need to prescribe another medicine.

Possible Side Effects of Pulmicort Turbuhaler

• Headache
• Nausea
• Nasal problems
• Hoarseness and irritation in the throat

You should contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects: depression, nervousness, skin rash, restlessness, and white patches in the mouth or throat.

Drugs Similar to Pulmicort Turbuhaler

• Flovent Inhaler
• Alvesco
• QVAR Inhaler