Pulmicort Respules (Budesonide Inhalation Suspension) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 7, 2012

Pulmicort Respules

Nasal Allergy Medications »

Introduction

Although they are the cornerstone of allergy treatment, avoidance measures are not always enough to manage all of the symptoms. When the symptoms of nasal allergies are mild or intermittent, antihistamines with or without decongestants can help. Very often, some relief can be found in taking over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and this is usually the first step an allergy sufferer will take. Self-medication, though, is frequently inadequate since OTC drugs cannot adequately treat the inflammation that develops in the nose. At this stage, anti-inflammatory medications are required, usually in the form of intra- nasal steroid sprays (sprayed into the nose).

The combination of an antihistamine (with or without a decongestant) and a topical nasal steroid spray will usually afford good relief with minimal side effects. The addition of ipratropium bromide nasal spray (Atrovent - an anticholinergic medication) is also very effec...

Read the Nasal Allergy Medications article »

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Pulmicort Respules

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PULMICORT RESPULES®
(budesonide) Inhalation suspension

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Budesonide, the active component of PULMICORT RESPULES® (budesonide inhalation suspension) , is a corticosteroid designated chemically as (RS)-11β, 16α, 17, 21-tetrahydroxypregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20dione cyclic 16, 17-acetal with butyraldehyde. Budesonide is provided as a mixture of two epimers (22R and 22S). The empirical formula of budesonide is C₂₅H₃₄O₆ and its molecular weight is 430.5. Its structural formula is:

PULMICORT RESPULES® (budesonide) Structural Formula Illustration

Budesonide is a white to off-white, tasteless, odorless powder that is practically insoluble in water and in heptane, sparingly soluble in ethanol, and freely soluble in chloroform. Its partition coefficient between octanol and water at pH 7.4 is 1.6 x 10³.

PULMICORT RESPULES (budesonide inhalation suspension) is a sterile suspension for inhalation via jet nebulizer and contains the active ingredient budesonide (micronized), and the inactive ingredients disodium edetate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, citric acid, polysorbate 80, and Water for Injection. Three dose strengths are available in single-dose ampules (Respules™ ampules): 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg per 2 mL RESPULES ampule. For PULMICORT RESPULES (budesonide inhalation suspension) , like all other nebulized treatments, the amount delivered to the lungs will depend on patient factors, the jet nebulizer utilized, and compressor performance. Using the Pari-LC-Jet Plus Nebulizer/Pari Master compressor system, under in vitro conditions, the mean delivered dose at the mouthpiece (% nominal dose) was approximately 17% at a mean flow rate of 5.5 L/min. The mean nebulization time was 5 minutes or less. PULMICORT RESPULES should be administered from jet nebulizers at adequate flow rates, via face masks or mouthpieces [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

What are the possible side effects of budesonide inhalation (Pulmicort Flexhaler, Pulmicort Respules)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

weakness, tired feeling, nausea, vomiting, feeling like you might pass out;
wheezing or breathing problems after using this medication;
worsening respiratory symptoms;
ear pain with fever;
vision problems;...

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What are the precautions when taking budesonide inhalation suspension (Pulmicort Respules)?

Before using budesonide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: eye disease (such as cataracts, glaucoma), high blood pressure, liver disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, stomach/intestinal problems (such as diverticulitis, ulcer), bone loss (osteoporosis), current/past infections (such as tuberculosis, positive tuberculosis test, herpes, fungal), bleeding problems, mental/mood conditions (such as psychosis, anxiety, depression).

If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 7/29/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.