Pulmicort Turbohaler

NHS Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Irsalan Ahmed (MPharm) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Pulmicort Turbohaler is a long-term preventer inhaler that contains a corticosteroid which reduces lung inflammation in asthma patients'.

If you think Pulmicort Turbohaler is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Pulmicort is a synthetic glucocorticoid steroid that is related to the natural hormone cortisone or hydrocortisone which is produced by the adrenal glands. This medication is used for the treatment of asthma by inhalation.

Glucocorticoid steroids, such as cortisol or budesonide have potent anti-inflammatory actions that reduce inflammation and hyperactivity of the airways resulting from asthma. When used as an inhaler, budesonide is absorbed directly by the inner lining of the inflamed airways to exert its beneficial effects.

Improvements in the symptoms of asthma may be expected within 24 hours of use while it takes a few weeks to obtain the maximum therapeutic benefits of the medication when used for the treatment of asthma.

Pulmicort is approved for the long-term treatment of asthma and is suitable for adults and children ages six years and up.

Pulmicort is inhaled corticosteroids that reduce the inflammation in the airways. Corticosteroids affect various types of inflammatory cells, including mast cells and eosinophils. They also affect the signalling chemicals that play an important role in inflammation, such as histamine, cytokines, and leukotrienes.

Pulmicort is effective in reducing the inflammation in the airways that result from an asthma attack. It also effectively stops the release of signalling chemicals that play important roles in inflammation.

Pulmicort Turbohaler comes as a dry powder inhaler. It is available in strengths of 90 mcg and 180 mcg. It should be taken twice daily. Your healthcare provider will tell you how many inhalations to take.

The Pulmicort Turbohaler must be primed prior to first use. Open the Turbohaler and twist the grip as far as it will go in one direction, then twist all the way back the other direction. You may twist it in either direction. There will be the clicking sound after one of the twists. Repeat the twisting one more time. There is no need to prime the Turbohaler again, even if it remains unused for a long period of time.

The following are the steps for using the Turbohaler:

• Holding the brown grip of the inhaler to make the white cover point up, then unscrew the cover and lift it up.
• Load a dose by holding the grip in one hand and the middle of the inhaler with the other hand. Twist the grip as far as it goes in one direction, then twist it all the way back the other way.
• Breathe out until your lungs are empty.
• Put your lips on the mouthpiece. Breathe in deeply and forcefully through your mouth.
• Remove the inhaler from your mouth and exhale.
• If instructed by your healthcare provider to have more than one inhalation, repeat the procedure.
• Place the cover back on the inhaler.
• Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out. This will help prevent thrush, which is a fungal infection of the mouth.

Pulmicort is used for the prevention of asthma attacks. It should not be used for the treatment of acute asthma attack.

The Pulmicort Turbohaler can be used by individuals six years of age or older. Effects can be observed within 24 hours, but the maximum effects are to be seen after one to two weeks of regular use.

Pulmicort dosage

The dose of Pulmicort varies according to the condition of the individual and how they respond to the medication. Your doctor will instruct you on the right dose for you.

Adults and children of 13 years and above usually take 2 to 4 puffs of the medication twice daily.

The usual dose for a child of 5 to 12 years and above is also 2 to 4 puffs twice daily.

For individuals who have mild asthma, a dose of once a day will be sufficient.

Taking Pulmicort may cause your airways to tighten suddenly. This side effect may happen immediately after using the inhaler or nebulizer. Take your rescue inhaler and call your doctor.

Common side effects of Pulmicort include colds, stuffy and runny nose, ear infections, hay fever, stomach flu, and nausea. Additional side effects may include nosebleed, cough, rash, and pink eye.

Inhaled corticosteroid, such as Pulmicort, may cause a fungal infection in the mouth, called thrush. This can be prevented by rinsing your mouth with water after each use of the inhaler or nebulizer. Make sure to spit out the water after rinsing.

The possibility of an infection is quite high when you use a corticosteroid because it lowers the immune system. The common symptoms of an infection are pain, fever, aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Inform your doctor when you believe you have an infection.

Growth may be slow in children who use corticosteroids. Have your child’s growth monitored by a doctor.

Do not take Pulmicort if you are already having an asthma attack because it does not work fast enough. Instead, use a rescue inhaler.

This medication should not be used by people with a severe milk allergy or allergy to any of the ingredients of Pulmicort.

Inform your doctor if you have problems with your eyes, liver, osteoporosis, or immune system because corticosteroids may worsen these conditions.

It is best that you inform your doctor about all the medications you are using and have recently used before you start using Pulmicort. This is to prevent any interaction between the medications you are using and Pulmicort.

If you are pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding a child, speak to your doctor before using this medication.

You can safely buy Pulmicort online at UK Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Pulmicort is the right medication for your medical condition.