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Indications

REMS

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: rash.

EENT: otitis media, dysphonia, epistaxis, oropharyngeal fungal infections, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis.

Endo: ↓ growth (children), adrenal suppression (high dose, long-term therapy only), weight gain.

GI: abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting.

MS: back pain.

Neuro: headache.

Resp: bronchospasm, cough.

Misc: ANAPHYLAXIS, flu-like syndrome.

Interactions

Drug-Drug:

Availability

(Generic available)

Route/Dosage

Flexhaler

Respules

US Brand Names

Pulmicort Respules, Pulmicort Flexhaler

Action

Therapeutic Effects:

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: corticosteroids

Pharmacologic Classification: corticosteroids

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Flexhaler: 39%; Respules: 6%. Action is primarily local following inhalation.

Distribution: Crosses placenta; enters breast milk in small amounts.

Protein Binding: 85–90%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized by the liver (primarily by CYP3A4) following absorption from lungs; 60% excreted in urine, 40% in feces.

Half-life: Adults: 2–3.6 hr; Children 10–14 yrs: 1.5 hr; Children 4–6 yrs: 2.3 hr (after nebulization).

Canadian Brand Names

Pulmicort Nebuamp, Pulmicort Turbuhaler

Time/Action Profile

(improvement in symptoms)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
Inhalnwithin 24 hr1–4 wk†unknown
Nebulizationwith 2–8 days4–6 wkunknown

†Improvement in pulmonary function; decreased airway responsiveness may take longer.

Patient/Family Teaching

Pronunciation

byoo-DES-oh-nide

Code

NDC Code*