Pulmicort
Pulmicort is an inhaled corticosteroid containing budesonide. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. It is a controller medication that must be used regularly to be effective and is not intended to relieve sudden, acute asthma attacks.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage is highly individualized based on age, asthma severity, and the specific device used. Pulmicort Respules (nebulizer suspension) are typically prescribed for pediatric patients aged 12 months to 8 years. Patients must rinse their mouth with water and spit it out after each use to prevent oral candidiasis (thrush).
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routinely recommended
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed by a specialist
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and effectiveness of budesonide in pediatric patients under 12 months of age have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Consult a pediatrician
- Frequency
- As directed by physician
- Tracking Notes
- Standard guidelines recommend use only for children 12 months and older. Use in younger infants is off-label and requires specialist oversight.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg total daily dose
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Administered via a jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor. Dosing is based on clinical response and age rather than exact body weight.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg total daily dose
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Dose may be escalated to 1 mg daily if asthma is not well-controlled, under strict medical guidance.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg total daily dose
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Always use the lowest effective dose necessary to keep the patient symptom-free.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routinely recommended | Use only if prescribed by a specialist | Safety and effectiveness of budesonide in pediatric patients under 12 months of age have not been established. |
| 5-7 kg | Consult a pediatrician | As directed by physician | Standard guidelines recommend use only for children 12 months and older. Use in younger infants is off-label and requires specialist oversight. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg total daily dose | Once daily or divided into two doses | Administered via a jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor. Dosing is based on clinical response and age rather than exact body weight. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg total daily dose | Once daily or divided into two doses | Dose may be escalated to 1 mg daily if asthma is not well-controlled, under strict medical guidance. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg total daily dose | Once daily or divided into two doses | Always use the lowest effective dose necessary to keep the patient symptom-free. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used as a daily maintenance treatment to prevent and control asthma symptoms, reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Generic Name
BudesonideScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.