Pulmicort Respules (Budesonide): Common Side Effects & Information

Pulmicort Respules is the brand name for an inhaled corticosteroid prescribed for preventing asthma attacks in children. With the active ingredient budesonide, Pulmicort Respules is designed for children between 1 and 8 years old.

Most Common Effects

• In clinical studies, the most common side effects associated with Pulmicort Respules were coughing, stomach ache, earache, respiratory infection, viral infection and runny nose.

Other Side Effects

• Numerous other side effects are possible. These include conjunctivitis (pinkeye), diarrhea, fever, nasal inflammation or nosebleed, nausea and vomiting, oral fungal infection, rash, sinus inflammation, throat inflammation and wheezing.

Considerations

• Like other inhaled corticosteroids, Pulmicort Respules may decrease a child's growth rate. Long-term effects on eventual adult height cannot be determined.

Infections

• Children using Pulmicort Respules may be more likely to get infections because corticosteroids can suppress the immune system. Infections also may be more severe than normal.

Asthma Attacks

• Pulmicort Respules, like other inhaled asthma medications, may cause an asthma attack. This calls for a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator.