Safety of Pulmicort 90 microgram/actuation for a 9-year-old
Yes, Pulmicort (budesonide) 90 microgram/actuation is safe for a 9-year-old child with asthma. According to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines, budesonide is approved and considered safe for children in the 5-11 year age group 1.
Dosing and Safety Information
- Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that has been extensively studied and approved for use in children 5-11 years of age 1
- For children aged 5-11 years, the recommended low daily dose range of budesonide DPI (dry powder inhaler) is 180-400 mcg, making the 90 mcg/actuation an appropriate strength when used as prescribed 1
- Budesonide has a high ratio of topical (local) to systemic activity compared to other corticosteroids, which contributes to its favorable safety profile 2
- The medication undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism to metabolites with minimal activity, which accounts for its low level of systemic effects 2
Efficacy in Children
- Clinical trials have demonstrated that budesonide is effective in controlling asthma symptoms in children with persistent asthma 3, 4
- Once-daily or twice-daily administration of budesonide effectively controls asthma in children with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma 5
- Budesonide has been shown to improve nighttime and daytime asthma symptom scores and reduce the need for breakthrough medication in children 6
Safety Considerations
- At usual dosages recommended for children, budesonide has little to no effect on adrenal function 2
- Long-term studies (52 weeks) have shown that budesonide is well tolerated in children with persistent asthma 4
- The most common adverse effects reported with inhaled budesonide are mild and include:
- Oral candidiasis (thrush)
- Dysphonia (voice changes)
- Sore throat 2
- Unlike systemic corticosteroids, inhaled budesonide at recommended doses does not typically cause significant systemic side effects such as growth suppression, bone mineral density changes, or cataract formation 5
Important Considerations for Use
- Proper inhaler technique is essential for effective medication delivery and minimizing side effects 1
- For children using dry powder inhalers, they must be able to generate sufficient inspiratory flow for adequate lung delivery 1
- Most 9-year-old children can effectively use dry powder inhalers, but technique should be regularly assessed 1
- To minimize the risk of oral candidiasis, children should rinse their mouth with water after using the inhaler 1
Conclusion
Pulmicort (budesonide) 90 microgram/actuation is safe and appropriate for a 9-year-old child with asthma when used as prescribed. The medication has been extensively studied in this age group and has a well-established safety profile with minimal systemic effects when used at recommended doses 1, 5.