What is Budesonide Inhaler (Budecort) 200 mcg?
Budecort 200 mcg includes budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid that mainly decreases inflammation in the airways to help control asthma. If the airways get swollen and inflamed, breathing is affected and you could cough, wheeze, or feel tight in the chest.
Inhale the medicine through the Budecort inhaler for it to take effect properly, as the medication works by keeping your lungs’ air passageways lined with anti-inflammatory layers. So you should carry out regular treatment with budesonide to keep inflammation on the down side.
In general, this is the kind of medicine that you take on a daily basis and not only when you are suddenly short of breath. Also from various sources of reliable health advice, inhaled corticosteroids are considered as one the vital means of asthma management.
Uses of Budecort 200 mcg
Budecort 200 mcg may be an option that your doctor will prescribe if the drug is helpful for you in terms of asthma:
- Your symptoms will stay under control
- Reduced airway inflammation
- Less frequent occurrence of symptoms of asthma
- Better long-term asthma control
- Need for emergency medications to be less frequent
Budesonide does not act as a fast reliever during acute asthma attacks. A fast-acting medicine should be on hand if you have been told by your doctor to keep one.
How Does Budecort 200 mcg Work?
Asthma leads to inflammation and swelling in the airways, resulting in the passages getting narrower, and being very reactive to triggers.
Budesonide treats your lungs, reduces inflammation and so prevents further widening and sensitivity of the airways, allowing the breath to get easier over time.
But, this is not a solution that can help at once. The most effective treatment is a combination of the medicine and a quick-relief inhaler, because budesonide gradually decreases inflammation whereas the latter, quick-acting drug gives instant relief. Therefore, it’s better not to use budesonide alone.
Benefits of Budecort 200 mcg
When used regularly as prescribed, it may help:
- Keep airway inflammation under control
- Reduce asthma symptoms
- Lower the frequency of flare-ups
- Improve day-to-day breathing
- Reduce the need for frequent reliever use
The benefits are usually seen with consistent treatment rather than after one individual dose.
Dosage and How to Use
Make sure you are using Budecort 200 mcg exactly the amount and in a way your doctor has told you to. The dose that will be suitable for you could be different according to your age, how severe your asthma is and also other medicines that you might be taking.
- Use the inhaler regularly according to your prescribed schedule.
- Follow the instructions supplied with your specific inhaler device.
- Do not stop treatment suddenly without speaking with your doctor.
- Do not take extra doses to treat sudden breathing difficulty unless specifically instructed.
- If you miss a dose, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or product information.
- Rinse your mouth with water after inhaling the medicine and spit the water out.
Proper use of the inhaler is a key step, as it ensures that the medication gets to the right place- the lungs.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects of inhaled budesonide are experienced only by a portion of patients.
Possible side effects are:
- Change in voice (hoarse)
- Pain or irritation in throat
- Constant cough
- Dry mouth
- Oral thrush
Swallowing a large amount of water or a mouthwash after inhaling may help in preventing the development of some mouth and throat issues.
The risk of other symptoms or effects increases with prolonged or a high-dose corticosteroid treatment; therefore, regular check-ups to monitor your health are recommended when you are prescribed this medicine in the long term.
It is important to talk to a physician if one develops a very difficult breathing problem, an allergy, mouth problem that does not go away, or a vision problem which is quite sudden.
Warnings and Precautions
Tell your healthcare professional if you:
- Have a respiratory infection
- Have tuberculosis or a history of tuberculosis
- Have liver problems
- Have osteoporosis or a risk of weak bones
- Have eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts
- Have diabetes
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take other corticosteroid medicines
Do not use this medicine to replace your reliever inhaler during a sudden asthma attack.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take, including:
- Other inhalers
- Oral corticosteroids
- Antifungal medicines
- HIV medicines
- Prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter products
- Vitamins and supplements
Some medicines can affect how corticosteroids are processed by the body, so your healthcare professional should know about your complete medication list.
Storage
- Store the inhaler below 30°C, unless the product packaging states otherwise.
- Keep the cover firmly closed after use.
- Protect the inhaler from moisture.
- Keep it away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not use it after the expiry date.
- Keep it out of reach of children.
Australian information for budesonide 200 microgram inhalers such as Pulmicort Turbuhaler recommends storage below 30°C and replacing the cover firmly after use.
FAQs
Is Budecort 200 mcg a preventer or a reliever?
It is mainly a preventative medicine. It works by reducing inflammation in the airways over time and is not intended to give immediate relief during a sudden asthma attack.
Why do I need to use Budecort 200 mcg even when I feel fine?
Asthma inflammation can remain in the airways even when you have no obvious symptoms. Regular use helps keep this inflammation under control and may reduce future symptoms and flare-ups.
Why should I rinse my mouth after using Budecort?
Some of the medicine can remain around the mouth and throat after inhalation. Rinsing and spitting out the water can help reduce problems such as oral thrush and throat irritation.
Can Budecort 200 mcg stop an asthma attack immediately?
No. Budesonide is not designed for rapid relief. If you have sudden breathing difficulty, use the reliever medicine prescribed for you and follow your asthma action plan. Severe symptoms require urgent medical attention.
Can I stop Budecort 200 mcg once my breathing improves?
Do not stop it on your own. Feeling better may mean the treatment is controlling your asthma. Your doctor can decide if the dose needs to be changed or treatment stopped.
Does Budecort 200 mcg contain a bronchodilator?
No. Budecort containing budesonide is a corticosteroid inhaler. It reduces airway inflammation rather than directly relaxing the airway muscles like a bronchodilator.
References
- Healthdirect Australia – Pulmicort Turbuhaler
- Healthdirect Australia – Medicines for Asthma
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Budecort 200 mcg contains budesonide and should be used according to the directions of a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medication.
