Medicine: pulmicort inhaler
Taking your medicine
It is important to take your medicine as your doctor has told you. The instructions on the label
should remind you of what the doctor said. Instructions for using your inhaler are given after the
dosage section.
If you have been taking steroid tablets for your asthma, your doctor may reduce the number of
tablets that you take, once you start to use Pulmicort Inhaler. If you have been taking oral steroids
for a long time, your doctor may want you to have blood tests. You might experience some
symptoms as a result of reducing your steroid tablets, in particular; stuffy or runny nose,
weakness or joint or muscle pain and rash (eczema). If any of these symptoms bother you, or if
symptoms such as headache, tiredness, nausea or vomiting occur, please contact your doctor
immediately.
If a child has been using an inhaled steroid at high doses for a long time, then the doctor may
monitor their height. Your doctor may consider adding steroid tablets to your usual treatment
during periods of stress (for example, when you have a chest infection or before an operation), if
you have been taking a high dose of inhaled steroid for a long time. Your doctor may ask you to
carry a steroid warning card to explain to others about your medication.
Dosage
The usual dose for adults and the elderly is one puff from Pulmicort Inhaler twice a day (once in
the morning and once in the evening). Children may receive up to two puffs a day. The dose that
your doctor has prescribed for you will depend on how severe your asthma is and may be
increased or decreased as necessary. Adults should not take more than 4 puffs twice a day (1600
micrograms per day). Children should not take more than 2 puffs twice a day (800 micrograms
per day). Do not stop taking your medicine without first discussing it with your doctor.
You may find that your asthma improves within 2 days but it can take up to 4 weeks to achieve
the full effect. You must keep taking your medication as instructed by your doctor even when you
feel well.
Contact your doctor urgently if:
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your breathing is getting worse
you frequently wake up at night with asthma
you start getting chest tightness
you are not getting relief from your current dose.
These signs could mean that your asthma is not being controlled and that you may need different
or additional treatment immediately.
How to use Pulmicort Inhaler - Always shake the inhaler before use
1. Remove the dust cap from the plastic adapter, as shown, and check that the mouthpiece is
not blocked. Then shake the inhaler vigorously, so that the contents of the aerosol canister are
properly mixed before each actuation.
2. Holding the inhaler as shown, breathe out gently.
3. Put the mouthpiece between your lips. Start to breathe in slowly and deeply through your
mouth. Keep breathing in and press the canister firmly, as shown, to release a dose of
Pulmicort. Keep breathing in for a short while after pressing the canister.
4. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as it is comfortable, before breathing out slowly. If
you are to take a second puff, you should wait at least one minute before shaking the inhaler
vigorously and repeating steps 2, 3 and 4.
5. After use, replace the dust cap on the plastic adapter.
Cleaning: The inhaler should be cleaned regularly (approximately once a week). Remove the
aerosol canister and clean the plastic adapter in warm water, dry thoroughly and then replace the
aerosol canister.
What to do if you take too many puffs
If you accidentally take too many puffs, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
What to do if you forget to take a puff
If you forget to take an occasional dose, don't worry, it is not necessary to compensate for the
dose you have missed. Just take the next dose as usual.