Budesonide or pulmicort which is better for inhalation

Pulmicort

This is an Anglo-Swedish drug from the pharmaceutical organization AstraZeneca AB. Refers to glucocorticoid drugs . Available in two medicinal forms: suspension and powder for inhalation. The active component is budesonide. It can be present in different dosages: 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5 mg. Additionally, the medicine contains sodium citrate, chloride and edetate, citric acid, polysorbate 80 and purified water.

Its mechanism of action is based on the effect on glucocorticoid receptors, reducing the synthesis of cytokines. The drug has bronchodilator properties and reduces the production of nitric oxide, which provokes bronchospasm.

Doctors recommend this remedy for bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The dosage is selected by the doctor individually in each case. Initially, no more than 1-2 mg of budesonide per day . The maintenance dose is 0.25-0.4 mg . The therapeutic effect is achieved after 10 days of regular use of the drug. Inhalations are done once a day at approximately the same time.

The medicine can cause the following side effects:

• Allergic reactions.
• Hoarseness of voice.
• Bronchospasm.
• Dry mouth.
• Headache.
• Depression, increased excitability.
• Dermatitis.

To avoid the symptoms described above, you do not need to take the drug if you have the following conditions:

1. Individual intolerance.
2. Less than 6 months old.
3. Active pulmonary tuberculosis.
4. Cirrhosis of the liver.
5. Pregnancy.
6. Fungal, bacterial or viral infection of the respiratory system.

The estimated cost in pharmacies across the country is 800-1400 rubles .

Is it better to use Berodual instead of Pulmicort?

Pulmicort and Berodual have the ability to alleviate the patient's condition with bronchospasm. But it is worth noting that the first drug is a steroid type, it should be used with caution for a disease of unknown etiology. For any viral or bacterial infection, you must adhere to the doctor's prescription.

Relevant: How long is the incubation period of coronavirus in humans and symptoms

Berodual also has a bronchodilator property, which manifests itself locally, in contrast to the previous drug, which has a systemic effect. The therapeutic effect is achieved much faster, within 15 minutes from the moment of administration. No negative effects of this drug on mucus production in the respiratory tract have been noted.

Only the doctor decides whether to use medications for coronavirus or not. Self-medication can be dangerous in the presence of dangerous infectious diseases.

Budesonide

This is a glucocorticoid medication. Has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. Reduces the production of nitric oxide, cytokines that lead to bronchospasm. Available in the form of an aerosol with a dispenser and powder for inhalation. The main component is budesonide . This substance can be contained in concentrations of 0.05 and 0.2 mg. Additionally, the composition contains lactose monohydrate. The manufacturer is the Finnish company Orion Corporation. The product is also produced by Russian companies Pharmacor Production and Nativa.

This drug is used in the treatment of bronchial asthma, vasomotor and seasonal allergic rhinitis, as well as for the prevention of nasal polyposis.

The dosage is selected by the doctor individually for each patient. Initially, it is recommended to use 0.4-1.6 mg of budesonide per day in 2-4 doses. Next, the daily dosage is reduced to 0.4-0.8 mg . During periods of exacerbation, the concentration of the active substance is increased.

The drug can cause the following side effects:

• Hoarseness.
• Candidiasis.
• Irritation of the nasal mucosa, mouth.

To minimize the likelihood of side effects, you need to know when not to use the medicine. Contraindications for use are:

• Carrying a child.
• Intolerance to components.
• Tuberculosis.
• Viral and fungal infections.

The cost of the drug in Russian pharmacies is 800-1100 rubles .

Instructions for use Budenita Steri-Neb

This product is used for inhalation. Inhalations should be carried out using nebulizer inhalers .

The dosage according to the instructions looks like this:

• children over 12 years of age and adults - the initial dose is up to 2 mg twice a day, and then it ranges from 0.5 mg to four mg per day, respectively;
• children from six months to 12 years of age - from 0.25 to 0.5 mg twice a day (initial dosage) and from 0.25 mg and up to 2 per day subsequent dose, respectively.

If there is a need to increase the therapeutic effect , the dosage can be increased, but combining inhalations and oral glucocorticosteroids is not recommended.

Budenit Steri-Neb is not administered via ultrasonic nebulizers; the dosage and inhalation time may vary depending on the type of nebulizer and its parameters, such as:

• filling volume;
• camera;
• air flow speed.

Inhalations are carried out using a special nebulizer, mouthpiece and mask. The required air flow is created thanks to an air compressor , and a nebulizer is attached to it. Before using it, be sure to read the instructions for a particular model.

Inhalations are performed as follows:

• prepare the nebulizer according to the instructions;
• separate the ampoule with the solution from the general block;
• break off the cap and hold the ampoule vertically with the cap up;
• squeeze the contents of the ampoule into the nebulizer chamber;
• We carry out inhalations according to the instructions for the nebulizer.

After finishing the procedure, rinse your mouth with water, and if you performed it with a mask , then you need to wash your entire face. Any unused solution remaining in the chamber must be discarded. Rinse the nebulizer itself. During the procedure, do not allow the solution to get into your eyes.

Distinctive features

But these medications also have many differences. They are as follows:

1. Different release form.
2. Budesonide is more convenient to use, but it must be used more often.
3. Produced by different companies. Budesonide is a Finnish drug, and Pulmicort is an Anglo-Swedish one.
4. According to reviews, Pulmicort is better tolerated.
5. Budesonide can also be used for rhinitis and for the prevention of nasal polyposis.
6. Pulmicort costs a little more.
7. Pulmicort is available in a wider variety of dosages.

How the drug works, its dosage forms

Pulmicort is a glucocorticoid drug for inhalation.
The active ingredient in it is budesonide. Entering the body through inhalation, it settles on the mucous membrane of the bronchial walls, penetrates the blood and the liver, where it decomposes into metabolites with a slow glucocorticoid effect. It is excreted from the body through the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract (with bile). What is more important is how budesonide affects local tissues (bronchial walls). It accumulates in tissue cells in an inactive form. Its active form is released gradually under the influence of enzymes. This creates a long-term increasing therapeutic effect of the drug, which no other GCS has.

The effect of GCS appears several hours after the procedure. It has pronounced anti-inflammatory, anti-edema and anti-allergic properties.

This is a medicine for the basic treatment of chronic bronchopulmonary diseases, its maximum therapeutic effect appears only 2 weeks after the start of treatment; There is no immediate relief from bronchospasm after it enters the bronchi.

But during the course of treatment, there is a persistent improvement with partial or complete restoration of lung function.

Budesonide has significantly fewer side effects than systemic corticosteroids, so it can be prescribed in long courses.

Pulmicort (manufactured by AstraZeneca AB, Sweden) is available in the following dosage forms:

1. suspension for inhalation with a nebulizer, 2 ml (1 dose), 20 pcs. packaged; 1 ml contains 250 or 500 mcg of budesonide;
2. inhaler Turbuhaler - dosed powder for inhalation in an inhaler of 100 or 200 doses; 1 dose contains 100 or 200 mcg of budesonide.

What, when and who should use it?

Pulmicort and Budesonite have a lot in common. Therefore, some people have a question about which drug is better to choose. Much depends on individual preferences, diagnosis, general health, and financial situation.

If therapy for bronchial asthma is necessary and there is enough money, then it is better to choose an Anglo-Swedish medicine. If treatment of rhinitis or prevention of polyposis is required, then preference should be given to Finnish Budesonide. People with poor lactose tolerance are better off buying Pulmicort. If you want to save on treatment, then you should choose Budesonide. In general, both drugs are equally effective. It is better to consult with your doctor about choosing the best option.

Medicine and healthComment

Budenit Steri-Neb: side effects

The use of this drug may cause the following side effects:

• hoarseness of voice;
• dry mouth;
• irritation and dryness of the pharyngeal mucosa;
• candidal stomatitis;
• unpleasant taste;
• nausea;
• cough;
• headache;
• increased excitability;
• bruising or thinning of the skin;
• rash;
• hives;
• depression and more.

With long-term treatment with Budenit Steri-Neb in large doses, systemic side effects may occur, such as:

• growth retardation in children;
• cataract;
• adrenal suppression;
• reduction in bone mineral density;
• glaucoma.

But such phenomena are very rare. Also, inhalation with the use of this drug can provoke the development of paradoxical bronchospasm, and shortness of breath may increase after administration of the drug. If the use of the drug provokes a severe reaction, the doctor should prescribe alternative treatment using analogues and other means.

Rinsing the skin of the face is necessary after using Budenit, since the use of a nebulizer can cause irritation of the skin on the face.

How to use correctly

The daily and single dosage of the medicine is selected individually for each patient by the attending physician. They depend on the patient’s condition and the patient’s intake of other medications, including systemic corticosteroids.

For initial use, adult patients are prescribed 1–2 mg per day. In ml it will be:

• if 1 ml contains 250 mcg of active substance, then 1 mg = 4 ml;
• if 1 ml contains 500 mcg, then 1 mg = 2 ml, and 2 mg = 4 ml.

Children are prescribed 250 - 500 mcg per day.

If the daily dosage does not exceed 1 mg, one procedure is performed per day. If the dose is larger, it is divided into two procedures. The doctor may change the standard recommendations if necessary.

To administer budesonide, only compressor nebulizers can be used (ultrasonic nebulizers are not suitable).

The medicinal substance is diluted with saline before use. The instructions tell you how to dilute with saline: you need to make sure that the total volume of the mixture does not exceed 4 ml.

Standard dosage recommendations for the Turbuhaler inhaler:

• adults 200 - 800 mcg per day;
• children over 6 years old 100 - 800 mcg per day, depending on age and general condition.

The inhaler may contain different dosages (look carefully at the packaging). The number of doses taken will depend on the dosage.

If the daily dosage calculated by the doctor is no more than 400 mcg, the medicine can be administered once a day; if more, two to four procedures are performed. In severe conditions, the doctor may increase the daily dosage several times. The drug begins to act a few hours after administration, and a stable effect occurs after 14 days. After the patient’s condition returns to normal, the smallest therapeutic dose is selected, which most patients take for a long time.

Experts believe that the effectiveness of Pulmicort Turbuhaler is higher than the suspension. Switching to Turbuhaler even allows you to reduce the daily dosage of the drug or stop taking systemic glucocorticosteroids.

How to properly perform procedures using a nebulizer and dose the drug.