Budesonide
Pulmicort (budesonide) is an inhaled corticosteroid medication used to control and prevent asthma symptoms in both adults and children. It works by reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways, making breathing easier over time with regular use as a maintenance therapy rather than a rescue medication.
Pulmicort is an inhaled corticosteroid used daily to prevent asthma attacks and manage chronic asthma symptoms.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 196487
- Generic
- Pulmicort
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Pulmicort is primarily used to treat and prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. It serves as maintenance therapy for persistent asthma in both adults and children, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks over time.
Pulmicort contains budesonide, a synthetic corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation in the bronchial airways. It inhibits the release of inflammatory substances and decreases the activity of immune cells, thereby reducing swelling, mucus production, and airway hyperresponsiveness that trigger asthma symptoms.
This medication must be used consistently as directed for optimal benefit and is not intended for acute asthma relief. Patients should rinse their mouth with water after inhalation to reduce the risk of oral thrush. Dosage is individualized based on age and disease severity, and any changes to dosing should only be made under medical supervision.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy