This article describes Pulmicort’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to use it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Pulmicort. If you want to know more about Pulmicort, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Pulmicort is a brand-name medication that comes as a powder for use in an inhaler (Pulmicort Flexhaler) and as a suspension (respules) for use in a nebulizer (Pulmicort Respules). It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes dosages of Pulmicort.
Pulmicort is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the maintenance treatment of asthma and to help prevent asthma symptoms. Specifically, Pulmicort respules are approved for use in children ages 12 months to 8 years. Pulmicort Flexhaler is approved for use in children ages 6 years or older and in adults.
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Forms and strengths of Pulmicort
Pulmicort comes in these forms and strengths:
| Form | How to use | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Pulmicort Flexhaler (powder for use in an inhaler) | inhale through your mouth using the Flexhaler device | • 90 micrograms (mcg) • 180 mcg |
| Pulmicort Respules (suspension for use in a nebulizer) | inhale through your mouth using a nebulizer connected to an air compressor with a mouthpiece/face mask | • 0.25 milligrams (mg)/2 milliliters (mL) • 0.5 mg/2 mL • 1 mg/2 mL |
Dosage of Pulmicort
This article describes the recommended dosages for Pulmicort. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Pulmicort without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Pulmicort in adults
Pulmicort Flexhaler is used as maintenance therapy for asthma.
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a starting dosage of Pulmicort Flexhaler. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Pulmicort Flexhaler that gives the desired outcome.
The usual recommended dosages for Pulmicort Flexhaler in adults are shown in the table below.
| Purpose | Starting dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance of asthma | 360 mcg twice daily* | 720 mcg twice daily |
* A starting dosage of 180 mcg twice daily may be adequate for some adults.
Dosages of Pulmicort in children
Pulmicort Flexhaler is approved for use as maintenance therapy for asthma in children ages 6 years and older. The recommended starting dosage is 180 mcg twice daily (sometimes 360 mcg twice daily). The maximum dosage is 360 mcg twice daily.
Pulmicort Respules is approved for use as maintenance therapy for asthma in children ages 12 months to 8 years. Their doctor will recommend the lowest starting dosage based on the child’s past treatments for asthma.
The usual recommended dosages for Pulmicort Respules in children are shown in the table below.
| Past treatment | Starting dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Bronchodilators alone | 0.5 mg once per day dose or 0.25 mg twice per day | 0.5 mg per day |
| Inhaled corticosteroids | 0.5 mg once per day dose or 0.25 mg twice per day | 1 mg per day |
| Oral corticosteroids | 0.5 mg twice per day dose or 1 mg once per day | 1 mg per day |
Dosage adjustments for Pulmicort
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Pulmicort based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- the dosage form you’re prescribed
Missed dose of Pulmicort
If you miss a dose of Pulmicort, do not take the missed dose. Take your next scheduled dose as usual. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. Call your doctor or pharmacist for advice if needed.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Pulmicort and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Pulmicort and its dosage.
How does the dosage of Pulmicort compare with the dosage of Symbicort?
Symbicort contains two drugs. One is the same active ingredient in Pulmicort (budesonide). It also contains another drug called formoterol.
The recommended dosage of Symbicort is two inhalations twice daily. The specific dosage will depend on how severe your asthma is. Talk with your doctor for specific dosing information about Symbicort.
The number of inhalations and how often you will use Pulmicort depends on your age, how severe your condition is, and other factors. See the “Dosage of Pulmicort” section above and talk with your doctor for more information.
Is Pulmicort used long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Pulmicort as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term. Pulmicort is a maintenance treatment for asthma. This means it should be used daily to help prevent an asthma attack.
If you have questions about how long you should use Pulmicort, talk with your doctor.
How Pulmicort is used
You’ll inhale Pulmicort once or twice per day using the Flexhaler or a nebulizer.
Pulmicort should be used daily to help prevent an asthma attack. Do not use Pulmicort to treat a sudden asthma attack. Pulmicort is not a rescue inhaler.
Your doctor will show you how to use Pulmicort Flexhaler or Pulmicort Respules (for use with a nebulizer with an air compressor and a face mask/mouthpiece). You should rinse your mouth with water and spit out the water (do not swallow) after each dose. This will help prevent you from getting a fungal infection called thrush.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty using your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
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