What is the recommended dose and frequency of Budesonide (Pulmicort)?

From the Guidelines

Pulmicort (budesonide) should be prescribed at a dose of 1 mg, twice daily for 7 days in children aged 0 to 4 years with respiratory tract infection-associated symptoms, as recommended by the Expert Panel 1.

Key Considerations

• The dose and frequency of Pulmicort may vary depending on the patient's age, condition severity, and response to therapy, as noted in the guidelines for asthma management 1.
• For children under 4 years of age, budesonide nebulizer suspension is the only ICS with FDA-approved labeling, and the dose may be administered 2 times daily 1.
• It is essential to monitor the patient's response to therapy and adjust the dose accordingly to minimize potential side effects, such as growth effects in children 1.

Administration Technique

• The medication should be inhaled using the proper technique: exhale fully, place the inhaler in your mouth, inhale deeply, hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly.
• Rinse your mouth with water after each use to prevent oral thrush.

Important Notes

• Pulmicort is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation in the airways, making breathing easier.
• It's crucial to use Pulmicort regularly as prescribed, even when feeling well, as it's a controller medication that prevents symptoms rather than providing immediate relief.
• Results typically begin within 24 hours, but full benefits may take 1-2 weeks.
• If you're also using a rescue inhaler, use it before Pulmicort and wait 5-10 minutes between medications.

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 evidence supports the efficacy of the same nominal dose of budesonide inhalation suspension administered on either a once daily or twice-daily schedule. When all measures are considered together, the evidence is stronger for twice-daily dosing [see Dosage and Administration (2)]

The recommended dose and frequency of Pulmicort (budesonide) are:

• 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg twice daily for patients previously maintained on inhaled corticosteroids
• 0.25 mg to 1 mg once daily or 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg twice daily for patients not previously receiving inhaled corticosteroids The dose and frequency may vary depending on the patient's response and the severity of their asthma 2.

From the Research

Pulmicort Dose and Frequency

• The recommended dose and frequency of Pulmicort (budesonide) may vary depending on the severity of asthma and the patient's response to treatment 3.
• For adults and children with mild to severe persistent asthma, the dose range of Pulmicort is 100-800 microg twice daily 3.
• Studies have shown that Pulmicort is effective in improving lung function and reducing symptoms of asthma when used at a dose of 160-320 microg twice daily 4, 5.
• The frequency of Pulmicort administration is typically twice daily, with some studies suggesting that a single inhaler combination product containing budesonide and formoterol can provide 24 hours of improvement in lung function 6.
• It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed to achieve optimal control of asthma symptoms 7.
• The duration of treatment before initiating dose reduction has not been fully established, but it is recommended to reduce the dose of inhaled steroids once asthma is under full control 7.