Budesonide Inhalation Powder: A Review of Its Pharmacologic Properties and Role in the Treatment of Asthma

Abstract

Budesonide inhalation powder, available as Pulmicort Turbuhaler, is a corticosteroid with a high ratio of local to systemic effects that is administered to treat persistent asthma. The Turbuhaler achieves lung deposition approximately twice that of a metered‐dose inhaler (MDI) with or without a spacer device. Budesonide inhalation powder has clinical efficacy equivalent to that of fluticasone and beclomethasone, but it has lower systemic bioavailability and fewer systemic side effects. As with other inhaled corticosteroids, dysphonia and oral candidiasis are the most frequent adverse effects, and systemic effects are infrequent. The initial starting dosage is 200 μg (1 puff) twice/day and may be increased to 800 μg twice/day in adults or 400 μg twice/day in children. Patients prefer the Turbuhaler to the MDI, Diskhaler, and Rotahaler because it is easier to use and more convenient to carry.