Pulmicort (budesonide) is a prescription brand-name medication. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat asthma in adults and certain children.

Asthma is a condition that causes trouble breathing. If you and your doctor agree that Pulmicort is helping to treat your asthma symptoms, you’ll likely use the medication long term.

Here are some fast facts on Pulmicort:

  • Active ingredient: budesonide
  • Drug class: inhaled corticosteroid
  • Drug forms:
    • Pulmicort Flexhaler,* which comes as a powder that’s inhaled using a handheld device
    • Pulmicort Respules,† which come as a liquid suspension that’s inhaled using a nebulizer

Like other drugs, Pulmicort can cause side effects, including long-term side effects. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Pulmicort, see this article.

* This form of the drug can be used by adults and children 6 years and older.
† This form of the drug can be used by children who are 12 months to 8 years old.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Pulmicort in clinical studies. These side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is being used to treat.

More common side effects in people using Pulmicort Flexhaler include:

More common side effects in children using Pulmicort Respules include:

Mild side effects can occur with Pulmicort use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the patient information for Pulmicort Flexhaler and Pulmicort Respules.

The list below contains mild side effects that have occurred with either or both forms of Pulmicort:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Pulmicort and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Pulmicort may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the patient information for Pulmicort Flexhaler and Pulmicort Respules.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Pulmicort, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • Adrenal insufficiency (a condition in which your adrenal glands don’t produce enough of certain hormones). Symptoms can include:
    • low blood pressure
    • nausea
    • tiredness
    • weakness
    • vomiting
  • Increased risk of infection. Symptoms will vary based on the type of infection, but some general symptoms can include:
    • muscle aches
    • diarrhea
    • fatigue (lack of energy)
    • fever and chills
  • Paradoxical bronchospasm (tightening of your airways that’s unexpected, as Pulmicort works to relax your airways). Symptoms can include:
    • coughing
    • chest pain or tightness
    • problems inhaling air into your lungs
    • wheezing
  • Reduced bone mineral density (weakened bones) when Pulmicort is used long term. Symptoms can include:
    • bones that break more easily than normal
    • gradual loss of height
    • pain in your back
  • Slowed growth rates in children and teenagers.*
  • Eye problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma, when Pulmicort is used long term.†
  • Allergic reaction.†

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effects in children” below.
† For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Pulmicort may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

What are the side effects of Pulmicort Flexhaler 180 mcg?

In clinical trials, some of the more common side effects of a 180-microgram (mcg) dose of Pulmicort Flexhaler included:

The “Mild side effects of Pulmicort” and “Serious side effects of Pulmicort” sections above contain more possible side effects of Pulmicort Flexhaler. For a full list of side effects, you can refer to the drug’s patient information. Your doctor or pharmacist can also provide more details.

Could nasal irrigation help with any of Pulmicort’s side effects?

Possibly, but it’s important to talk with your doctor before trying nasal irrigation to help reduce any side effects of Pulmicort. The use of nasal irrigation for helping with Pulmicort’s side effects hasn’t been studied.

With nasal irrigation, you use a saline (saltwater) solution to flush your nasal passages. This is thought to help clear congestion in your nose and help you breathe better. But results of nasal irrigation can vary from person to person.

It’s important to note that if done incorrectly, nasal irrigation can be dangerous and increase your risk for infection in your nasal passages. You shouldn’t use unfiltered water or tap water that hasn’t been boiled first to kill any germs present. Although rare, doing nasal irrigation with water that hasn’t been boiled has led to fatal infection.

If you’re interested in using nasal irrigation to help with side effects of Pulmicort, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you more information, including how to do nasal irrigation safely, as well as other possible treatments for your side effects.

Is Pulmicort Turbuhaler available? If so, what are the side effects of using this inhaler?

No, the Pulmicort Turbuhaler is no longer available for use. This form of the medication has been discontinued, and Pulmicort Flexhaler is used instead. See the “Mild side effects of Pulmicort” and “Serious side effects of Pulmicort” sections above for information on possible side effects.

If you have questions about other inhalers for asthma treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can tell you more about your treatment options.

What are Pulmicort’s side effects in adults?

Some of the more common side effects in adults using Pulmicort Flexhaler in clinical trials included:

For lists of possible side effects caused by Pulmicort Flexhaler, see the “Mild side effects of Pulmicort” and “Serious side effects of Pulmicort” sections above. You can also refer to the patient information for Pulmicort Flexhaler or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do Pulmicort’s side effects include tremors?

No, Pulmicort isn’t known to cause tremors (shaking that you can’t control) as a side effect. Tremors weren’t reported by people using either Pulmicort Flexhaler or Pulmicort Respules in clinical trials.

Corticosteroids such as budesonide, which is the active drug in Pulmicort, can cause tremors as a side effect. But this hasn’t been reported when these medications are inhaled, like with Pulmicort Flexhaler or Pulmicort Respules.

If you have questions or concerns about tremors while using Pulmicort, talk with your doctor.

Can bad breath be a side effect of Pulmicort?

It’s possible. Bad breath wasn’t a side effect reported in clinical trials of Pulmicort Flexhaler or Pulmicort Respules. But both forms of Pulmicort can cause oral thrush, which is a type of fungal infection that affects your mouth and throat. And oral thrush can cause you to have bad breath.

For more information about fungal infections, including tips to prevent this, see the “Side effect specifics” section below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions.

Do Pulmicort’s side effects include anxiety?

Possibly. Anxiety wasn’t a side effect reported by people taking either form of Pulmicort in clinical trials. But changes in mood, such as anxiety, have been reported by people taking Pulmicort since the drug was approved. However, it’s important to note that it’s not clear whether Pulmicort may have caused these mood changes or whether the changes had a different cause.

If you experience anxiety that you think might be caused by Pulmicort treatment, talk with your doctor. They can help determine possible causes, including whether it could be caused by Pulmicort. They may also suggest treatments, which may include having you stop taking Pulmicort.

Pulmicort Respules are approved to treat asthma in children 12 months to 8 years old. Pulmicort Flexhaler is approved to treat asthma in children 6 years and older.

Pulmicort may cause some different side effects in children than in adults. These side effects are detailed below.

Is Pulmicort approved for use in toddlers and infants? If so, what are the side effects in these age groups?

Pulmicort Respules are approved for asthma treatment in children 12 months to 8 years old. So, toddlers and infants who are at least 12 months old may use this form of Pulmicort.

More common side effects in children using Pulmicort Respules, including toddlers and infants, include:

Slowed growth rates

Clinical studies have shown that inhaled corticosteroids such as Pulmicort may cause slowed growth rates in children and teenagers. This is in addition to the more common side effects listed just above.

It’s not known whether this slowed growth may have any long-term impacts on a child’s height as an adult.

Your child’s doctor will monitor your child’s growth rate if they’re prescribed Pulmicort. The doctor will also prescribe the lowest possible dosage that’s effective for your child to help reduce the risk of this side effect.

If you have additional questions about how Pulmicort may affect your child’s growth rate, talk with their doctor.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Pulmicort may cause.

Eye problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma

Eye problems have been reported in people who’ve been taking inhaled corticosteroids such as Pulmicort for a long time. These eye problems can include glaucoma and cataracts, both of which can be long term.

Cataracts refer to cloudiness in the lens of your eye. And glaucoma is a buildup of pressure in the eye that can lead to vision loss over time.

These side effects weren’t reported by people taking Pulmicort in clinical trials. But this is likely because the trials didn’t last long enough for these conditions to develop. Eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma develop slowly over time, but Pulmicort’s clinical trials only lasted 12 weeks.

Symptoms of eye problems that can be caused by Pulmicort include:

  • blind spots
  • vision that’s cloudy or blurry
  • headache
  • increased sensitivity to light
  • pain in your eyes
  • seeing “halos” around light

What you can do

While you’re taking Pulmicort, your doctor will regularly monitor your eyes. You should also notify your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms above.

If you develop eye problems while taking Pulmicort, your doctor will likely have you stop taking the medication. They may recommend other treatments for your asthma.

Oral thrush

Pulmicort can increase your risk for oral thrush, which is a fungal infection that affects your mouth and throat. This side effect was rarely reported by people taking the medication in clinical studies, and it isn’t usually serious.

Symptoms of oral thrush can include:

  • cracking skin at the corners of your mouth
  • trouble swallowing
  • soreness or redness inside your mouth or throat
  • white or cream spots inside your mouth or throat
  • a thin, white coating on your tongue

What you can do

To lower your risk for oral thrush while using Pulmicort, you should rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out after every dose of the drug.

If you have symptoms of oral thrush while taking Pulmicort, contact your doctor. This side effect can usually be treated easily using antifungal medications. And most people don’t need to stop using Pulmicort while treating oral thrush. But be sure to follow the instructions your doctor gives you.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Pulmicort can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • rash
  • itching
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
  • anxiousness or feelings of doom

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Pulmicort.

However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Pulmicort. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Active infection. Pulmicort can reduce your immune system’s ability to fight infection. So, if you have an infection that’s active (causing symptoms), the infection should be treated before you start taking Pulmicort. Your doctor will recommend an appropriate medication for your infection.

Eye problems, including cataracts or glaucoma. Long-term use of an inhaled corticosteroid such as Pulmicort can cause eye problems, including cataracts or glaucoma. If you already have eye problems, your condition may get worse after using Pulmicort for a long time. Your doctor will monitor your eye health while you’re taking Pulmicort. Be sure to contact your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your vision.

Herpes infection in your eye. Pulmicort can reduce your immune system’s ability to fight infection. If you already have ocular herpes (herpes infection in your eye), Pulmicort may cause symptoms to get worse or come back. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to help prevent flare-ups if you have ocular herpes and you’re prescribed Pulmicort. Or, they may recommend a different drug to treat your asthma.

Liver problems. Your liver helps metabolize (break down) Pulmicort. If you have liver problems, Pulmicort may build up in your body. This could increase your risk for side effects from the medication. Be sure to tell your doctor about any liver problems you may have before you take Pulmicort. They may monitor you more closely than usual during your treatment.

Low bone mineral density. Using an inhaled corticosteroid such as Pulmicort for a long time can cause low bone mineral density (weakened bones). This may increase your risk for bone fractures (broken bones), especially if you already have low bone mineral density. If you’re prescribed Pulmicort, your doctor may also prescribe a calcium supplement or other medications to help protect your bones.

Milk protein allergy. Pulmicort Flexhaler contains a type of natural sugar called lactose, and it may contain small amounts of milk protein. If you have an allergy to milk protein, you shouldn’t use Pulmicort Flexhaler, as the drug may cause you to have an allergic reaction. But children up to 8 years old may be able to use Pulmicort Respules. This form of the drug doesn’t contain lactose. Make sure to talk with your doctor about which treatment option is best for you.

Lack of immunization against chickenpox or measles. Pulmicort can reduce the ability of your immune system to fight infection. This can increase your risk for infection, including chickenpox and measles. It can also increase the risk that these infections will be serious. These risks are higher if you haven’t had the chickenpox or measles vaccines. Talk with your doctor about any vaccinations that you might need before starting Pulmicort treatment, including vaccines for chickenpox or measles.

Tuberculosis (TB) infection. Pulmicort can increase your risk for infection, including serious infections such as TB. If you’ve had TB in the past, taking Pulmicort may cause the infection to become active (start causing symptoms) again. You’ll likely need to take medications to treat a TB infection before you can start using Pulmicort.

Allergic reaction. You shouldn’t take Pulmicort if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor about which other treatments are better choices for you.

Alcohol use with Pulmicort

There aren’t any known interactions between alcohol and Pulmicort.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much alcohol is safe for you to have while using Pulmicort.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Pulmicort

Inhaled corticosteroids such as Pulmicort haven’t been found to increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Treatment guidelines from the Global Initiative for Asthma recommend not stopping these medications during pregnancy. Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of using Pulmicort while pregnant.

Very small amounts of inhaled budesonide, which is the active drug in Pulmicort, pass into breast milk. But side effects in children who are breastfed haven’t been reported.

If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while using Pulmicort.

Like most drugs, Pulmicort can cause some mild and serious side effects. In many cases, mild side effects tend to go away without medical attention. But you should contact your doctor if you have any symptoms of serious side effects, which are described in the “Serious side effects of Pulmicort” section above.

If you’d like to learn more about Pulmicort, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information on Pulmicort. For details on other aspects of Pulmicort, refer to this article.
  • Details about Pulmicort’s dosage. For more information about typical Pulmicort dosages, read this article.
  • A look at asthma. For details on asthma, see the Medical News Today asthma and allergies hub, as well as our list of related articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.