Pulmicort

definition

Pulmicort is a prescription drug containing the active ingredient budenoside, which belongs to the group of glucocorticoids.
As a powder inhaler or as a suspension in a nebulizer, Pulmicort is used for various respiratory diseases. There is also Pulmicort as a nasal spray.

Mode of action

The active ingredient budenoside belongs to the group of Glucocorticoids, which also includes cortisol.
It unfolds its effect through certain docking points on the cells and intervenes there in the metabolic processes. As a result it comes to anti-inflammatory and antiallergic Effects. Less messenger substances, which maintain inflammation, are produced and more anti-inflammatory substances are formed.
In addition, Pulmicort has a direct inhibitory effect on the body's immune system.

However, many other unwanted effects are known to occur with glucocorticoids, which appear particularly with long-term use. There is a weight gain, more fragile bones such as increased Blood pressure and the so-called Steroid acne.
However, in contrast to cortisol, these side effects do not occur with Pulmicort due to its special chemical structure and dosage form.
For one, Pulmicort is only used locally as a Aerosol or inhaled powder; on the other hand, the active substance is metabolized directly in the liver and rendered ineffective after it has been absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract. Even if used incorrectly or if swallowed, there is no systemic, i.e. Effect or side effect affecting the entire organism.

application areas

Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, Pulmicort is often used in diseases of the lungs and the upper respiratory tract.
The main area of ​​application for the inhaler is bronchial asthma. Here Pulmicort is used as a long-term medication in symptom-free phases to keep the disease under control and to prevent an asthma attack. We recommend 1-2 inhalations a day. However, Pulmicort is not suitable for an acute asthma attack with shortness of breath, as there are faster and better means here and Pulmicort has a long-term effect that only begins later.

How to properly treat an asthma attack can be found here: Asthma attack

Chronic bronchitis along with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are also often treated with Pulmicort. The focus here is on relieving symptoms and combating chronic inflammation. However, Pulmicort cannot bring about a cure here either.

The larynx can also be inflamed. If the part below the glottis is affected, this is called pseudo croup, which is not uncommon in children with barking cough and pain and even shortness of breath. In the case of a severe course with treatment in the hospital, Pulmicort is also used here against the inflammation. Infants and toddlers who do not master the necessary breathing maneuvers for effective treatment with a powder inhaler are treated with the easier-to-use nebulizers.

Pulmicort in the form of nasal sprays is used for allergic rhinitis or hay fever. The symptoms can be suppressed well with this. The desired effects of treatment with Pulmicort appear after about a week. This is important to know because you should take the drug as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not feel any improvement in symptoms at first.

Contraindications

Pulmicort inhibits that immune system. Therefore, this medicine must not be used if a bacterial, viral or fungal disease is ongoing in the airways. This is made worse with the use of Pulmicort. Caution is also advised in the case of liver problems, as this is where the active ingredient budenoside is broken down. If this is not possible, effects and side effects affect the whole body.

There is evidence that Pulmicort has a harmful effect on the embryo a pregnant woman. Therefore, it should not be used in the first three months of pregnancy in particular, at least this must be carefully discussed with a doctor.

Side effects

As described, systemic occur for Glucocorticoids typical side effects do not usually occur.
However, there may be local side effects when using Pulmicort. Since it inhibits the immune system to reduce inflammation and allergies, fungal infections can occur in the oropharynx, which healthy people almost never affect. One example is that Candidiasis.
General irritation of the pharynx with coughing and hoarseness occasionally occurs.

Interactions

Pulmicort enhances the effects of antispasmodic agents asthma. Certain drugs for Fungal diseases and some Antibiotics complicate the breakdown of budenoside in the liver and thus increase its concentration in the blood. This can lead to side effects with long-term use. However, this is clinically irrelevant for a period of 1-2 weeks.

Exclusion of liability / disclaimer

We would like to point out that medication must never be discontinued, applied or changed independently without consulting your doctor.
Please note that we cannot claim that our texts are complete or correct. The information may be out of date due to current developments.