Budesonide Inhaler
Also known as: Pulmicort, Budelin
What it's for
Budesonide is a preventer inhaler for asthma and COPD. It is a steroid that reduces inflammation in your airways. Use it every day to prevent symptoms and attacks.
Comes as: Inhaler
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 200 to 800 micrograms daily in 1 or 2 doses.
- Use every day, even when you feel well.
- Rinse your mouth after each use to prevent thrush.
- It takes days to weeks to work fully.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Sore throat or hoarse voice
- Oral thrush (white patches in mouth)
- Cough
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Not for relieving sudden symptoms - use your blue reliever inhaler for that
- Rinse your mouth after use to prevent thrush
- Do not stop suddenly without medical advice
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had TB
Get medical help urgently if…
- Your breathing gets worse despite using your inhalers
- Your reliever inhaler does not help an asthma attack
- You have white patches in your mouth that won't go away
- You feel unwell with a high temperature
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.