Description
Same active ingredient (budesonide) as Pulmicort®, the US brand. Budecort Inhaler 100 mcg is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India. Compare all Generic Pulmicort (Budesonide) options.
About Budecort Inhaler 100 mcg
Budecort Inhaler 100 mcg is a prescription metered-dose aerosol inhaler containing 100 mcg of budesonide per puff, made by Cipla Limited, used every day to prevent asthma symptoms and attacks. Each canister holds 200 metered puffs. As the lower of the two Budecort aerosol strengths, it suits children using a spacer, adults with mild persistent asthma, and anyone whose doctor is stepping the steroid dose down after a spell of good control.
Budecort is an Indian brand and is not a US-licensed product. In the US, budesonide on its own is mostly prescribed as a dry powder inhaler or as a nebulizer suspension.
How does Budecort work?
Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid, often called a “preventer”. Breathed straight into the lungs, it damps down the chronic inflammation that leaves asthmatic airways swollen, twitchy and full of mucus. Over time the airways react less to colds, pollen, smoke and exercise. Because the dose goes straight to the lungs, far less reaches the rest of the body than with steroid tablets.
Is it a reliever?
No. Budecort does not open tight airways within minutes and will not stop an attack. Always carry a fast-acting albuterol (salbutamol) inhaler such as Asthalin Inhaler as well.
How to use Budecort Inhaler 100 mcg
- Remove the cap and shake the canister well. When it is new, or unused for about a week, release one or two test sprays into the air.
- Breathe out gently, away from the mouthpiece.
- Close your lips around the mouthpiece (or the spacer), start a slow breath in and press the canister once.
- Keep breathing in steadily, then hold your breath for up to 10 seconds.
- Wait about 30 seconds and shake again before any second puff.
- Finish by gargling with plain water and spitting it out.
How much is usually prescribed?
Adults commonly use 200–400 mcg twice daily, which means two to four puffs of this strength each morning and evening. Children generally need less, often 100–200 mcg twice daily through a spacer, as decided by their doctor. Higher doses for severe asthma are easier with the 200 mcg inhaler. Use it every day, even when you feel well, and never go above the dose on your prescription.
Why a spacer helps
A spacer is a plastic chamber that fits onto the inhaler. It removes the need to press and breathe at the same moment and leaves less steroid in the mouth, lowering the chance of thrush. Young children use one with a soft face mask.
How long does it take to work?
Some people breathe more easily within a few days, but full benefit usually builds over one to two weeks, sometimes longer. Symptoms tend to creep back when a preventer is dropped, so keep going unless your doctor advises otherwise.
What are the side effects?
- Common: hoarse voice, sore throat, cough and oral thrush (white patches in the mouth).
- Less common: bruising, restlessness, and sleep or behavior changes in children.
- With long-term higher doses: slower growth in children, thinner bones, cataracts or glaucoma, and reduced adrenal function.
Get urgent help if wheezing gets suddenly worse right after a puff, if your face or throat swells, or if your reliever stops working, you cannot finish sentences or your lips turn blue.
Who should not use it?
Avoid it if you are allergic to budesonide. Tell your doctor about tuberculosis, untreated fungal or viral infections, herpes affecting the eye, liver disease or recent courses of steroid tablets. Strong CYP3A4 blockers such as ritonavir, cobicistat, itraconazole and ketoconazole raise budesonide levels in the blood. Budesonide has more pregnancy safety data than any other inhaled steroid and very little passes into breast milk, so if you become pregnant, keep using it and talk to your doctor.
Pack sizes and storage
Sold as 1, 2 or 3 inhalers of 200 puffs each, from $20. Store below 86°F (30°C), away from direct sunlight and frost. Never puncture or burn the canister, even when it seems empty.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 100 mcg and 200 mcg?
Only the amount per puff. Budecort Inhaler 200 mcg halves the number of puffs at higher doses.
Is there a version without an aerosol?
Yes, Budecort Rotacap 100 mcg is a dry powder capsule for a breath-activated device. Our guide to the types of asthma inhalers compares both.
Where can I see other preventers?
Browse the asthma category.
For general information only, not a substitute for your doctor’s advice. Budecort Inhaler 100 mcg is a prescription medicine; use it exactly as your asthma plan directs.
Helpful guides
- Types of Asthma Inhalers: Relievers, Preventers and How to Use Them CorrectlyLearn the types of asthma inhalers (relievers, preventers and combination inhalers), how each one works, and step-by-step tips for correct inhaler technique.