Pulmicort Is an Inhaled Corticosteroid Used to Prevent Asthma Symptoms

Pulmicort (Budesonide) is a prescription inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the airways to prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms over time.

If your doctor just prescribed Pulmicort — or you're researching it before an appointment — this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, what it treats, how to take it, who shouldn't use it, and what it costs in 2026.

What Is Pulmicort?

Pulmicort is the brand name for Budesonide inhalation, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) made by AstraZeneca. It belongs to a class of medications called glucocorticoids, which work by reducing inflammation and swelling in your airways.

Pulmicort was FDA-approved for asthma treatment and is available in two main forms:

• Pulmicort Flexhaler — a dry powder inhaler (DPI) available in 90 mcg and 180 mcg per actuation strengths
• Pulmicort Respules — a liquid suspension used with a nebulizer, available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg per 2 mL vials

Pulmicort is not a controlled substance. It's a maintenance medication — meaning you take it every day to prevent symptoms, not as needed during an attack. You still need a rescue inhaler (like Albuterol) for sudden breathing problems.

Generic Budesonide inhalation is available from manufacturers like Teva, and it's significantly cheaper than the brand-name versions.

What Is Pulmicort Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children aged 6 and older (Flexhaler)
• Treatment of asthma in children aged 12 months to 8 years (Respules, via nebulizer)

Off-Label Uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe Budesonide for conditions beyond its FDA-approved indications:

• Croup in children — nebulized Budesonide can reduce airway swelling in croup
• Chronic rhinosinusitis — Budesonide nasal irrigations for sinus inflammation
• Eosinophilic esophagitis — an oral viscous formulation for esophageal inflammation
• Early-stage sarcoidosis — as an anti-inflammatory for lung involvement

How Is Pulmicort Taken?

Pulmicort Flexhaler (Dry Powder Inhaler)

1. Twist the brown grip fully in one direction, then twist it back until you hear a click — this loads the dose
2. Exhale fully, away from the device (never exhale into the Flexhaler)
3. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and inhale deeply and steadily
4. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds
5. Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each use to prevent oral thrush

Typical adult dosing: 180 to 720 mcg twice daily, depending on asthma severity. Children ages 6 to 17: 180 to 360 mcg twice daily.

Pulmicort Respules (Nebulizer)

1. Use a standard jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor
2. Open the single-dose vial and squeeze the contents into the nebulizer cup
3. Do not mix with other medications in the nebulizer
4. Breathe normally through the mouthpiece or face mask until the medication is gone (about 5 to 15 minutes)
5. If using a face mask, wash your face after treatment to remove any medication that settled on the skin

Typical pediatric dosing (ages 1 to 8): 0.25 to 1 mg per day, given as a single dose or divided into two doses.

Who Should Not Take Pulmicort?

Pulmicort is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have:

• Allergy to Budesonide or any ingredient in the product
• Severe milk protein allergy — the Flexhaler contains lactose with trace amounts of milk proteins. If you have a severe milk allergy, the Flexhaler is contraindicated (Respules may be an option instead)
• Status asthmaticus or acute asthma attacks — Pulmicort is not a rescue medication and won't help during a severe attack
• Active untreated infections — tuberculosis, systemic fungal infections, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections

Use with caution if you have liver disease (especially cirrhosis), as your body may process Budesonide more slowly, increasing side effects. For more on potential reactions, see our guide to Pulmicort side effects.

How Much Does Pulmicort Cost?

Cost varies significantly depending on whether you get brand-name or generic, and whether you have insurance:

• Brand-name Pulmicort Flexhaler: $200 to $410 for one inhaler (60 inhalations)
• Brand-name Pulmicort Respules: $350 to $410+ for 30 ampules
• Generic Budesonide inhalation suspension: $45 to $70 with a discount card
• Generic Budesonide dry powder inhaler: $45 to $200 depending on pharmacy and coupon

Insurance Coverage

Most commercial insurance plans cover generic Budesonide inhalation. Brand-name Pulmicort may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying the generic first). Medicare Part D generally covers Budesonide with varying copays.

Ways to Save

• AstraZeneca co-pay savings program — reduces out-of-pocket costs for commercially insured patients on brand-name Pulmicort
• AZ&Me Patient Assistance Program — provides free medication for eligible uninsured and low-income patients
• Discount cards — GoodRx, SingleCare, and similar services can bring generic Budesonide below $70
• Mail-order pharmacies — Amazon Pharmacy and Cost Plus Drugs may offer lower prices

For a complete breakdown of savings options, read our guide to saving money on Pulmicort.

Final Thoughts

Pulmicort is a well-established, effective medication for long-term asthma management in both adults and children. It's been used for decades and has a strong safety record when taken as directed. The generic version (Budesonide) makes it accessible for most patients, though supply can be inconsistent due to ongoing shortages.

If you're having trouble finding Pulmicort at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with stock near you. And if you have questions about whether Pulmicort is right for you, talk to your doctor — or learn more about finding a prescriber near you.