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Pulmicort Inhaler: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Pulmicort Inhaler (Budesonide) ke quick uses, dose guide, side effects, warnings, aur buying price range.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated:

Prescription

Form

INHALER

Strength

200mcg/actuation

Manufacturer

Barrett Hodgson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd

Estimated price

Price not listed

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What is Pulmicort Inhaler used for?

  • Long-term (maintenance) control of bronchial asthma
  • Reducing airway inflammation in chronic asthma
  • Prevention of asthma symptoms with regular daily use
Read full Uses guide →

Important warnings

  • Don't use Pulmicort if you are allergic to budesonide or any ingredient
  • Pulmicort is a preventer inhaler, not a rescue inhaler — it will not relieve a sudden asthma attack

Pulmicort Inhaler Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

FieldDetails
Brand NamePulmicort
Generic NameBudesonide
Strength200mcg/actuation
FormInhaler
Drug ClassInhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)
ManufacturerBarrett Hodgson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd
PrescriptionRx — do not take without a doctor's advice
PriceConfirm at pharmacy
Packaging100 metered doses per inhaler

2. What is Pulmicort? (Pulmicort kya hai)

Pulmicort belongs to a group of medicines called inhaled corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory drugs delivered directly into the airways using an inhaler device. Its active ingredient, budesonide, works by reducing swelling and irritation inside the small tubes that carry air into the lungs. This helps calm an overreactive airway over time rather than providing instant relief. Pulmicort is typically prescribed for people who have been diagnosed with persistent bronchial asthma and need ongoing, day-to-day control of their airway inflammation rather than occasional treatment.

Within the wider group of inhaled corticosteroids used in respiratory care, Pulmicort is one of several options a doctor may choose from based on a patient's age, the severity of their asthma, and how well their symptoms are controlled. It is meant to be used consistently, even on days when breathing feels normal, because its benefit comes from steady, long-term use rather than as-needed dosing. Always take Pulmicort as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

  • Long-term (maintenance) control of bronchial asthma
  • Reducing airway inflammation in chronic asthma
  • Prevention of asthma symptoms with regular daily use

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

  • Patients diagnosed with persistent asthma who need regular preventer therapy
  • Patients whose doctor has prescribed a maintenance inhaled corticosteroid
  • Adults and children (as advised by a pediatrician) who need long-term airway inflammation control

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

  • If you are allergic to budesonide or any of its ingredients
  • During a sudden, acute asthma attack — Pulmicort is a preventer inhaler and does not relieve acute breathlessness
  • Without discussing active lung infections (such as active tuberculosis) with your doctor first

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

  • As prescribed
  • As prescribed
  • Do not exceed the recommended limit set by your doctor
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

  • Used regularly, exactly as prescribed by your doctor — not just when symptoms appear
  • At the same times each day
  • Follow the correct inhaler technique shown by your doctor or pharmacist for the specific device type
  • Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each use to help prevent oral thrush

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

  • As scheduled by your doctor, often morning and evening
  • Same time daily to maintain a routine and steady airway control

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

  • Not applicable in the usual sense — Pulmicort is inhaled, not swallowed, so food timing does not affect its action. Follow your doctor's inhaler schedule.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

  • Don't use Pulmicort if you are allergic to budesonide or any ingredient
  • Pulmicort is a preventer inhaler, not a rescue inhaler — it will not relieve a sudden asthma attack; a separate fast-acting reliever inhaler is needed for acute symptoms, as advised by your doctor
  • Do not stop using Pulmicort abruptly without your doctor's guidance, even if you feel better

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

  • Store in a cool, dry place
  • Keep away from direct sunlight
  • Keep out of the reach of children
  • For children using Pulmicort long-term, your doctor will monitor growth and overall development as part of routine follow-up visits

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

  • Throat irritation, hoarseness of voice, oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth)
  • Severe difficulty breathing or worsening wheeze, signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of face or throat, severe rash), signs of adrenal suppression with long-term high-dose use (unusual tiredness, weakness)

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

  • Use with other corticosteroids may increase overall steroid exposure
  • Certain antifungal and HIV medicines (such as ketoconazole and ritonavir) can raise budesonide levels in the body

Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Pulmicort.

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

  • Severe difficulty breathing or a sudden asthma attack that does not improve with a reliever inhaler
  • Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or severe rash
  • White patches or soreness in the mouth that do not go away
  • Unusual tiredness, weakness, or dizziness with long-term use

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

Brand NameCompanySalt (Generic)
Generic brandVariousBudesonide
Alternative brandVariousBudesonide

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

Pack SizePrice (Approx)
100 metered dosesConfirm at pharmacy

(Note: Price depends on the pharmacy and pack size. A reliable current price could not be confirmed at the time of writing — always verify with your local pharmacy.)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Pulmicort Inhaler kis kaam aati hai?

A: Pulmicort Inhaler is prescribed by a doctor for long-term control of bronchial asthma. See the uses section on PakVita for what it treats and how to use it.

Q: Kitni mg ki Pulmicort Inhaler hoti hai?

A: The exact strength varies by pack. Follow the pack label and your doctor's advice.

Q: Pakistan mein price kitni hai?

A: The price can vary by pharmacy and city. Verify the current rate at a local store or online listing.

Q: Pregnancy mein safe hai?

A: Do not self-medicate during pregnancy. Always use this medicine only after consulting your doctor.

Q: Nuksanat kya hain?

A: Common side effects are usually mild, but contact your doctor immediately if severe symptoms appear.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-07-02

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.

Brand alternatives, same-class options, and other medicines used for the same conditions as Pulmicort Inhaler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pulmicort Inhaler kis kaam aati hai?

Pulmicort Inhaler is prescribed by a doctor for long-term control of bronchial asthma. See the uses section on PakVita for what it treats and how to use it.

Kitni mg ki Pulmicort Inhaler hoti hai?

The exact strength varies by pack. Follow the pack label and your doctor's advice.

Pakistan mein price kitni hai?

The price can vary by pharmacy and city. Verify the current rate at a local store or online listing.

Pregnancy mein safe hai?

Do not self-medicate during pregnancy. Always use this medicine only after consulting your doctor.

Nuksanat kya hain?

Common side effects are usually mild, but contact your doctor immediately if severe symptoms appear.

Sources

  1. DRAP Registered Products Database Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
  2. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) World Health Organization
  3. British National Formulary (BNF) BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.