General Information on Pulmicort Inhaler
Pulmicort Inhaler is a handy pump for delivering budesonide to the lungs of a patient suffering from asthma. Budesonide is an artificially produced corticosteroid. The medicine delivered by a Pulmicort Inhaler helps decrease the inflammation inside the lungs.
People can buy Pulmicort inhaler only with a doctor’s prescription. Steroids have got a bad name due to the indiscriminate use by sportsmen of anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are different from corticosteroids. These are lifesaving steroids that act by inhibiting the release of certain chemicals within the lungs. The chemicals are released by the body in an attempt to fight allergies. They cause inflammation, which brings on an asthmatic attack. Pulmicort Inhaler reduces inflammation by controlling the auto response of the body.
Pulmicort inhaler does not provide instant relief. It only works when used over a long period of time in metered doses. Budesonide is absorbed by the cells of the lungs and works to reduce the inflammation within the airways. It also inhibits the formation of mucus, which makes breathing difficult for an asthma patient.
Side effects of Pulmicort Inhaler
Pulmicort Inhaler is effective because it prevents the release of chemicals that fight allergies. As a result, the immune system of an asthma patient becomes vulnerable to other infections. This is the primary side effect of all steroids. Doctors prescribe Pulmicort Inhaler because the benefits are more than any possible side effects.
The prolonged use of Pulmicort Inhaler leads to a dry throat which causes hoarseness of the voice. It can also lead to a case of oral thrush. To prevent this you should rinse your mouth and throat out with water after use.
Some users of Pulmicort Inhaler also complain of tiredness and bouts of depression. Long term use can also lead to osteoporosis.
Dosage of Pulmicort Inhaler
The dosage of Pulmicort Inhaler is always set by the doctor. The frequency of use can be from once a day to two times a day. Besides using Pulmicort Inhaler, a patient suffering from asthma must take common precautions like avoiding direct or indirect inhalation of tobacco as well as smoking. The patient should also be careful about staying away from allergens like pet dander and common pollens. An asthmatic attack is usually triggered by the common cold and therefore, it is advisable to get a flu shot annually.
Since Budesonide is a steroid, the use of Pulmicort Inhaler cannot be discontinued suddenly. It has to be done gradually and under medical supervision, otherwise there are serious withdrawal symptoms. If you miss a dose of Pulmicort Inhaler, use it as soon as you remember. Stressful situations should be avoided by people who suffer from asthma.
Interactions
It is of paramount importance to inform the doctor if you are on any other medication before you buy Pulmicort Inhaler, as this steroid interacts with many drugs.
Cancer chemotherapy drugs can alter the functioning of Budesonide in the human body.
Many other drugs interact with Budesonide in Pulmicort Inhaler. These include ciprofloxacin, cyclosporine, and levofloxacin.
