From the Guidelines
The dose of Pulmicort for teenagers is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, but based on the general guidelines for inhaled corticosteroids, the typical dose for adolescents with asthma can range from 180 to 400 micrograms twice daily, depending on asthma severity and previous medication use. When considering the treatment of asthma in teenagers, it's essential to select medications based on individual drug efficacy studies and consider the delivery devices available, as the doses received may vary considerably among devices and age groups 1. Inhaled corticosteroids, such as Pulmicort, are the preferred long-term control medication for initiating therapy, and the benefits of ICSs outweigh any concerns about potential risks of a small, nonprogressive reduction in growth velocity or other possible adverse effects 1. Some key points to consider when prescribing Pulmicort to teenagers include:
- Starting doses are usually lower (180-200 micrograms twice daily) for adolescents previously on bronchodilators alone
- Higher doses (up to 400 micrograms twice daily) may be needed for those transitioning from oral steroids
- The medication should be taken regularly as prescribed, even when symptoms improve
- Teenagers should rinse their mouth after each use to prevent thrush
- Dose adjustments may be needed based on symptom control
- Proper inhaler technique is essential for effective medication delivery
- Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is necessary to monitor response and adjust treatment as needed. It's crucial to monitor response to therapy closely and consider a step down to evaluate the need for continued daily long-term control therapy if a clear and beneficial response is sustained for at least 3 months 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The efficacy of budesonide inhalation suspension at doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg once daily was evaluated in 344 pediatric patients, 12 months to 8 years of age, with mild to moderate persistent asthma The efficacy of budesonide inhalation suspension at doses of 0.25 mg and 0. 5 mg twice daily was evaluated in 133 pediatric asthma patients, 4 to 8 years of age, previously maintained on inhaled corticosteroids The efficacy of budesonide inhalation suspension at doses of 0.25 mg once daily, 0.25 mg twice daily, 0.5 mg twice daily, and 1 mg once daily was evaluated in 469 pediatric patients 12 months to 8 years of age
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Doses of Pulmicort for Teenagers
- The recommended doses of Pulmicort (budesonide) for teenagers are not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but we can look at the doses used in studies involving adolescents and adults 2, 3, 4.
- A study published in 2015 compared the therapeutic equivalence of budesonide/formoterol delivered via breath-actuated inhaler vs pMDI in adolescents and adults with asthma, using a dose of 160/4.5 μg twice daily 2.
- Another study published in 2010 reviewed the clinical profile of budesonide/formoterol pressurized metered-dose inhaler in patients with persistent asthma, including adolescents, and mentioned dosage strengths of 80/4.5 μg x 2 inhalations (160/9 μg) or 160/4.5 μg x 2 inhalations (320/9 μg) in a fixed-dose, twice-daily regimen 3.
- A 2010 study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of reducing the frequency of dosing in patients previously controlled with twice-daily budesonide/formoterol pressurized metered-dose inhaler to once-daily regimens, using doses of 160/9 μg twice daily (320/18 μg daily) or 320/9 μg once daily (evening) 4.