Pulmicort for adults inhalation. Price, instruction

Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and bronchial asthma is based on removing obstruction or restriction of the bronchi and reducing the inflammatory process. Hormonal drugs allow patients to prolong periods of remission and feel more confident in society. Pulmicort used as inhalation, in adults it reduces the risk of side effects in comparison with other hormonal drugs, while showing good results.

Composition and form of release

The main active ingredient of the drug is budesonide.

Pulmicort for inhalation is produced in the form of a solution in disposable plastic transparent containers of 0.25 and 0.5 mg in 1 ml and in the form of a powder for inhalation in a specially designed powder inhaler, 100 and 200 mg in one dose.

Powder inhaler dispenser is brown in color, easy to wrap around. On the basis of the dispenser there is an embossing of Budesonid with the indicated drug dose of 100 or 200 mg. The inhaler is filled with small white granules, which, with a slight effect on them, turn into powder.

Terms of sale, prices

Pulmicort is dispensed in pharmacies without a prescription.

• Pulmicort for nebulization of 0.25 mg / 1 ml costs on average 700-1000 rubles. for packaging;
• Pulmicort for spraying 0.5 mg / 1 ml - from 1000 rubles. package;
• Most pharmacies dispense Pulmicort by the piece. The package contains 20 pcs. disposable containers packed in 5 pcs. in separate sealed foil bags. 1 container of the drug costs an average of 40-50 rubles.
• Pulmicort turbohaler (pocket inhaler) 100 mg 200 doses costs about 900 rubles;
• Pulmicort turbohaler 200 mg 100 doses - 1000-1200 rubles.

Action

The pulmicort for inhalation for adults is comfortable, easy and safe to use. The mechanism of action of the drug is based on its anti-inflammatory capabilities. It inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators and inhibits the cytokine storm.

The anti-inflammatory effect leads to a decrease in bronchial obstruction at all stages of the allergic reaction. Pulmicort also acts on histamine and methacholine, reducing their activity, which leads to a decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness.

Scientific studies show that long-term use of the drug is associated with a decrease in forced expiratory volume.

Pulmicort also has a decongestant effect, which favorably affects the treatment of bronchospasm and bronchial obstruction. It can reduce the amount of bronchial secretions by promoting proper mucociliary clearance. The bronchi are covered with ciliated epithelium, the movement of which brings the secret out.

With bronchitis or other inflammatory processes of the bronchi, the bronchial secretion becomes more viscous. The ciliated epithelium does not cope with its function and cannot remove the secret to the outside, as a result of which it accumulates in the alveoli and bronchi in large quantities, aggravating the disease. Pulmicort effectively eliminates this problem by thinning bronchial secretions and reducing their amount.

Inhaled budesonide is rapidly absorbed. This is facilitated by the form of use of the drug and its immediate entry into the broncho-pulmonary system. The effect occurs within 10-20 minutes, the maximum effectiveness of the agent is observed for 30 minutes.

The drug is excreted by metabolism. The largest amount of it is excreted by the kidneys in an unchanged state or slightly conjugated. The half-life is about 4 hours. Therefore, Pulmicort is usually prescribed 2-3 times a day.

Like all other hormonal drugs, budesonide has not only positive effects, but also side effects.

Common side effects of Pulmicort include the following conditions:

• cough, sore throat, hoarseness;
• allergic reactions and hypersensitivity reactions of immediate or delayed type, dermatitis, urticaria, Quincke's edema;
• candidal lesions of the oral mucosa;
• pneumonia (in patients with COPD) - research in this area continues;
• atypical bronchospasm;
• symptoms indicating a systemic effect of the drug (insufficiency of adrenal function);
• sleep disturbance, anxiety, fatigue, mood swings, depression;
• tremors in the hands;
• osteoporosis (with prolonged use of Pulmicort);
• glaucoma is rare.

There is also information about the appearance of bruises on the body after prolonged use of the drug. The reason has not yet been precisely determined; blood clotting tests are within normal limits. But the bruises quickly disappear and do not cause much discomfort.

Oral candidiasis can be avoided by rinsing with plenty of warm water immediately after inhalation to prevent the powder from settling on the mucous membranes.

Dermatitis of the skin around the mouth is a common consequence of inhalation of the product through a mask nebulizer. It can also be easily prevented by cleansing your face after inhalation.

Indications for use

Pulmicort for inhalation for adults is prescribed most often in the treatment of 3 diseases, these are:

• bronchial asthma;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• broncho or laryngospasm.

The drug is prescribed for other diseases, but much less often. In acute bronchitis, Pulmicort is used only in the presence of an asthmatic component. Otherwise, its purpose is irrational. Although it relieves inflammation of the bronchi better than other non-hormonal drugs, it still causes more side effects in comparison with them. Therefore, one should take into account not only the fact that the effect occurs quickly, but also the possible harm to the patient when taking this remedy.

Prescribing the drug for bronchial asthma does not exclude the use of adrenergic agonists, which are the main medicines in relieving asthma attacks. Pulmicort is used to minimize the number of seizures. It reduces the need for beta-agonists and helps control the development of bronchospasm.

Taking budesonide for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, especially at the onset of the disease, reduces the risk of complications, and also shortens the periods of exacerbation. With early application of Pulmicort, the disease is usually mild.

Prescribing Pulmicort for asthma or bronchitis shortens the list of drugs needed for treatment, which contributes to a positive attitude of patients towards treatment.

Contraindications for use

Contraindications to the use of the drug are the following conditions:

• hypersensitivity to its components;
• a history of allergic immediate or delayed reactions to taking the drug;
• Quincke's edema with inhalation of budesonide.

It is not recommended to take the product with antifungal medicines such as itraconazole and ketoconazole. This combination is unfavorable, as it can negatively affect the liver, kidneys and the immune system. The effect of such a combined technique is not well understood. But their joint reception is not included in the instructions for use of the drug, as a contraindication.

The consequences of taking Pulmicort in hepatic or renal failure have not been studied. Given that the agent is excreted by the liver and kidneys, you should not take it for their diseases, since how it can provoke the progression of the disease, cirrhosis of the liver or acute renal failure.

Application during pregnancy and lactation

Adults are allowed to use Pulmicort for inhalation during pregnancy. But it should be borne in mind that it acts systemically on the body and penetrates the blood-brain barrier. The effect on the fetus is minimal and a mutagenic effect has not been observed in a number of studies. But the dosage of the drug and the advisability of taking it should be established only by the doctor, monitoring the condition of the mother and fetus during treatment.

Budesonide is included in treatment and breastfeeding. The drug must be prescribed with caution, since it comes with breast milk to the baby. In this situation, it is necessary to take into account the risks of its influence on the child, because the drug can cause growth retardation with prolonged use.

If a nursing woman suffers from bronchitis with obstruction, then the remedy has little effect on the child, since it is used for a short time, only to relieve bronchial obstruction.

The use of Pulmicort on an ongoing basis by breastfeeding should be justified. From all hormonal drugs, it causes the least number of side effects, which indicates the benefit of it in the choice of a hormonal drug. But the feasibility of breastfeeding itself should also be considered if the constant intake of the drug cannot be avoided.

When taking doses exceeding the recommended ones, there were no conditions that threaten the patient's life. With a one-time excess of the dose, there may be a sore throat, hoarseness, tremors in the body. With constant use of the drug in higher doses, there are consequences in the form of systemic adrenal disorders, visual impairment, osteoporosis.

Method of administration and dosage

The dosage of Pulmicort depends on the disease for which it is prescribed, as well as the stage of the disease.

Disease	Method of administration and dose	Note
Bronchial asthma	Typical doses: 200-800 mcg per day, divided into 2-4 inhalations. Maximum doses: 1600 mcg per day. Maintenance dose: the minimum effective dose, selected individually	If the daily dose is up to 400 mcg, then it can be used at a time.
COPD	Usual dose: 400 mcg 2 times a day. Maximum daily dose: 1200 mcg	COPD treatment is carried out only during the exacerbation period, which lasts an average of about 10-14 days.
Bronchospasm	Usual dose: 400 mcg 2 times a day. Maximum daily dose: 800-1000 mcg	Usually 2-3 days are enough to relieve bronchospasm.

Pulmicort for inhalation for adults can be used in a special pocket inhaler, which makes it easier to take the drug, as it can be carried with you to work, in a cafe or other public places.

To use the drug in this form, you must adhere to the following step-by-step instructions for taking:

1. check the dose of the drug on the inhaler and determine the required number of his breaths, according to the doctor's prescription;
2. unscrew and remove the protective cap;
3. shake off the bottle several times;
4. turning over the dispensing disk of the visas, hold the inhaler upright;
5. turn the dosing disc in one direction until it clicks, and then in the other direction (it does not matter which direction to turn the first one). If the procedure is performed for the first time, turn twice, if for the second or subsequent times - only once;
6. exhaling completely, place the mouthpiece between your lips and take a maximum breath;
7. pull out the mouthpiece and hold your breath for a few seconds;
8. put the cap back in place.

It is important during the procedure not to bite the mouthpiece and not exhale air inside the inhaler. If the patient needs a higher dose, the procedure can be repeated.

If Pulmicort is used for treatment through a nebulizer, then the instructions for using the drug are as follows:

1. open a disposable plastic container and pour it into a special nebulizer container;
2. if necessary, you can mix the solution with sodium chloride 1: 1 or other inhalation solutions recommended by your doctor;
3. twist the container;
4. put on an inhalation mask and turn on the device;
5. carry out the procedure until the liquid has completely evaporated;
6. after completion, turn off the nebulizer and remove the mask.

Rinse the container for liquid and the mask with warm water and wipe dry. To avoid unwanted complications, the mouth should be rinsed with warm water and the skin in contact with the mask should be cleaned. The procedure is performed 2-3 times a day, depending on the severity of the disease and the required dose.

When using the inhaler, the inhalation flow is 35-60 l / min, which provides the body with a sufficient amount of the active substance. But it has been proven that the drug is effective even at a flow of less than 35 l / min.

Pulmicort, used by inhalation, has a slight salty taste, but some adults do not notice no smell or taste, while mistakenly assuming that the product is tainted or falsified.

Manufacturers indicate that the solution may have a slight cloudy white color, or it may not have it, which does not affect the effectiveness of the drug in any way. Also, the presence of a salty taste or a smell specific to the inhaler may be absent and this does not change the properties of Pulmicort in any way.

If the effect of taking the drug is insufficient, it is recommended to increase its dose. Even the maximum dose of Pulmicort is less harmful than taking oral glucocorticosteroid drugs.

In patients who have already used steroid drugs for some time, the transition to Pulmicort should be carried out gradually. On average, a week is enough for the abolition of oral hormones, but sometimes more time is needed, even up to a month. If it is not possible to completely transfer the patient to budesonide, then the patient remains on budesonide along with a minimum dose of an oral glucocorticosteroid.

When transferring to Pulmicort, the patient must be in a stable state during the period of remission. His condition should be monitored by the attending physician.

Some analogues

According to the active ingredient, the following analogues of Pulmicort are also available on the pharmaceutical market:

• Benodil suspension for nebulization with a dosage of 0.25 and 0.5 mg / ml;
• Budesonide isichailer powder for inhalation in a pocket inhaler;
• Budesonide Intel in nebulas for inhalation;
• Budikson suspension for spraying.

Pulmicort's analogs act in the same way as it does, but the effectiveness of some of them is somewhat inferior to Pulmicort. The advantage of analogs is a lower price.

Analogs may have other excipients, which affects the side effects, expanding them. Therefore, you should carefully study the instructions for similar medicines before using them.

According to the action and effectiveness in the treatment of similar diseases, Pulmicort can be replaced with the following drugs:

• Beklazon-Eco inhalation aerosol;
• Beklazon evohaler inhalation aerosol;
• Nebufluzone suspension for spraying;
• Flixotide in nebula for nebulization;
• Flixotide evohaler for inhalation;
• Fluticson powder for inhalation.

These drugs differ in the active substance, although their spectrum of action is similar. Considering that other agents are the main substance, contraindications and side effects will also be different. Therefore, when treating them, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of joint reception with other receiving drugs, individual sensitivity to them, as well as possible side effects and contraindications.

Bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive bronchitis complicate the socialization of people suffering from them. The use of Pulmicort in complex therapy contributes to the rapid recovery of the patient and relieves the symptoms of the disease. The inhalation form of the drug simplifies its use by adults in any place, and timely use guarantees the effectiveness of treatment.

Considering the benefits of the drug, as well as all the side effects and contraindications to its use, it is the drug of choice in the treatment of asthma and obstructive bronchitis. Pulmicort is safer than oral and injectable glucocorticosteroids, while remaining highly effective in combating disease.

Video about the drug Pulmicort

How often can you breathe with Pulmicort: