Pulmicort Respules

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

This medication is not intended for women of child-bearing age, but you should know that budesonide is recommended during pregnancy only if clearly needed. In addition, steroids make their way into breast milk and are not recommended for nursing mothers.

Recommended dosage for Pulmicort Respules

CHILDREN 12 MONTHS TO 8 YEARS OF AGE

The usual dosage depends on the child's previous treatments for asthma.

If fast-acting bronchodilators alone have been used previously, the usual starting dose is 0.5 milligrams daily. (A dose of 0.25 milligrams taken once daily may be prescribed if the child has failed to respond to non-steroidal therapy.) The maximum long-term dosage is 0.5 milligrams daily.

If inhaled steroids have been used previously, the usual starting dose is 0.5 milligrams. The maximum long-term dosage is 1 milligram daily.

If oral steroids have been used previously, the usual starting dose is 1 milligram. The maximum long-term dosage is also 1 milligram daily.

The daily dosage may be taken in a single dose or divided into 2 doses if once-daily treatment does not adequately control asthma symptoms. Once asthma symptoms are controlled, the dose may be gradually lowered.

Children already taking oral steroids will continue to do so while starting therapy with Pulmicort Respules. After one week, the doctor will lower the dose of the oral steroids, then gradually lower it further at one- or two-week intervals.

Overdosage

Excessive doses of steroid medications taken for long periods can stunt growth or cause a condition called Cushing's syndrome. Symptoms of this condition include weight gain, a "moon face," muscle wasting, weakness, and poor wound healing. If you think a problem is developing, check with your doctor immediately.