Fast-acting prevention for asthma.

Pulmicort is used to control symptoms caused by asthma, such as shortness of breath, a tight chest, wheezing and coughing.
Answer a few questions about your health, and our experts can advise you on suitable treatments for you. When you order Pulmicort online, you’ll get it delivered regularly on subscription.
Pulmicort is a type of inhaler called a 'turbohaler', which works to reduce the risk of asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition. It produces breathing difficulties and causes coughing, wheezing, a tight chest and shortness of breath. This is because your airways narrow and swell, which affects how air reaches your lungs. Extra mucus can also be produced which narrows the airways more. Some people only experience minor problems, but others can experience major and life-threatening problems. Symptoms can occur randomly or when you're exposed to certain triggers such as allergies, exercise, infections, pollution, smoke and cold air.
Asthma can’t be cured but there are effective ways to treat the symptoms. In children, it can sometimes improve but then return as an adult. With treatment, you can lead a normal life and carry out day to day activities without any significant problems.
Pulmicort is a way of controlling and preventing asthma symptoms. This type of inhaler is different to traditional inhalers, as you don’t have to press a button to use it. Because it's a 'preventer' medication, you'll take it regularly every day (and not on-demand).
In clinical trials, budesonide (the active ingredient in Pulmicort) has been shown to improve lung function within a few hours of a single dose. But it can take up to four weeks of continuous use for it to have the 'maximum benefit'.
Pulmicort contains the active ingredient budesonide. This is a type of corticosteroid medication, which is commonly used to treat asthma. It works by blocking chemicals that are released by the immune system when you’re impacted by an asthma trigger. It will reduce inflammation and risk. It also prevents mucus from being created.
Asthma affects more than 300 million people worldwide. For children, asthma tends to affect boys more, but as adults, it’s more common in women. It can be hereditary, particularly if your family has a history of allergies or smoking.
You can use Pulmicort one to two times a day, taking one to two puffs each time. It’s a maintenance treatment, which means that it works when taken consistently over time to control symptoms. It won’t work when you’re experiencing a sudden asthma attack, so you’ll need a separate rescue treatment for this.
Pulmicort is available in three different doses: 100mcg, 200mcg and 400mcg. The dose you take will depend on the severity of your condition and your symptoms. Our clinician will advise which dose is suitable for you. You should make sure to follow the dosage that you have been given.
Patients also find that asthma can change over time, which means treatment will need to be adjusted.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
The length of time it can take for Pulmicort to work will depend on you, your condition and your dose. It should usually start to prevent symptoms within the first 24 hours of use. It can take up to four to six weeks for inflammation to reduce and for the full benefits to be experienced. Make sure that you’re using the treatment consistently for it to be effective in controlling symptoms. This means that you might still experience asthma attacks, but less frequently.
It’s important to follow the instructions given by our clinician. If you forget to take Pulmicort, then you can take this dose straight away, provided it isn’t shortly before your next dose is due. In this case, skip the missed dose.
You might find that you don’t feel the medication going into your lungs when you’re using the inhaler, but it usually does. So make sure that you don’t repeat the dose even if you think the treatment hasn’t reached your lungs.
If you find that you’ve taken too much, but aren’t experiencing any abnormal side effects then it's unlikely that you'll need to see a doctor. The main effect is that it suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function, which is your body’s stress response system. But if you do feel unwell, you should seek medical assistance.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Electronic Medicines Compendium. www.medicines.org.uk. (n.d.). Pulmicort Turbohaler 200 - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc).
NICE (2021). What is the prevalence of asthma? [online] NICE.
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet DanielRegistered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet SanjedaRegistered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet CraigRegistered with GPhC (No. 2070338)
Meet RuaraidhDelivery, consultation, treatment. It’s all included in the price.
We know health, but you know you.
Our experts tell you what’s safe, but you decide what’s best.
Answer a few questions and tell us about yourself. Get tailored advice from our clinicians so you can choose better.
Choose your treatment and how often you have it delivered.
We know things change. It’s the nature of life. We’ll check in regularly to make sure your treatment is still right for you.
Pause. Change. Skip. Start again. Any time you like.
Excellent
Very quick and efficient
Good service
Easy and efficient
Quick delivery and well packed , email to see how you are getting on . Cery pleased and highly recommend
Great company, fast delivery
Our average rating based on 15979 reviews.
Asthma: Here are some other options.
Fast-acting reliever inhaler used to treat asthma symptoms when they develop.
Bronchodilator reliever inhaler used to act quickly on asthma symptoms and other lung conditions.
Widely used asthma reliever medication. Provides instant relief from asthma symptoms.
Flixotide inhalers are usually orange and contain a steroid to help prevent asthma symptoms.
One a day preventative asthma tablets. Generic version of Singulair.
Long acting bronchodilator for asthma. It opens up the airways and tackles inflammation.
Branded treatment for quick asthma relief that lasts for 12 hours or more.
Quickly relieves asthma symptoms by relaxing your airways to help you breathe more easily.
We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
We couldn't find what you're looking for.
Here's everything we treat. Or, if you're looking for something we don't have yet, you can suggest something.
If there’s a particular treatment or condition you’re looking for, tell us and we’ll look into it for you.
If you made a mistake on the gender selection, you can amend this by pressing 'Cancel' below and changing your gender. If you entered the correct gender but made a mistake on the treatment category selection, you can choose a different category by pressing 'Choose other treatment' below.
You have recently requested a change to your treatment plan which is under review.
We'll let you know once our clinician has reviewed your request.
Our prescriber has already made treatment suggestions for you
You can view and select an option from your account.
You already have treatment for under review.
You have a consultation being reviewed. Our prescriber will contact you soon.
You already have a treatment plan for on pause. You can restart or make changes to this from your account.
Submit your question here, or tell us if you’ve found an issue on our site.
We’ll get back to you very soon. We aim to respond to all queries in one working day.
You’re signed up to our newsletter. Keep an eye on your inbox for our latest update.
By clicking 'Subscribe now' you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Your order is on hold because we need to verify your identity.
You have an order on hold because we couldn’t take your payment. To continue, please add a new payment method.