Formulations and Delivery Systems
Budesonide is available in multiple formulations under the Pulmicort brand name:
Pulmicort Turbuhaler: A breath-actuated, multi-dose, dry-powder inhaler that delivers budesonide inhalation powder 4, 5, 6
Pulmicort Respules: A suspension for nebulization, which was the first inhaled corticosteroid approved in the United States for administration via nebulizer and for use in infants as young as 12 months 7, 8
Clinical Context
Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid with high topical anti-inflammatory potency but low systemic activity, making it particularly suitable for long-term asthma management 4, 6. The medication works by delivering anti-inflammatory effects directly to the airways 2.
Key Characteristics:
High therapeutic ratio: Budesonide achieves favorable local effects in the lungs while minimizing systemic side effects 4
Superior lung deposition: The Turbuhaler device achieves approximately twice the lung deposition compared to traditional metered-dose inhalers 5
Particle characteristics: Budesonide particles in Pulmicort Respules are small (typically 2-3 micrometers in diameter), which contributes to higher fine particle dose delivery to the lungs (8-14% of nominal dose) 8
Important Clinical Considerations
When patients use nebulized budesonide (Pulmicort Respules), they should be aware that bronchodilators like beta-agonists are frequently mixed with steroids in nebulizers 1. If tremor or other side effects occur, patients should verify whether their nebulizer contains only budesonide or if it has been mixed with other medications 1.