Asthma

Inhaled Steroids

What are other names for this medication?

There are currently 2 main inhaled steroid medicines used to treat children in the U.S. Each of these delivers a different amount of medicine per puff.

1. Fluticasone propionate. This product name is Flovent. (Advair also contains Fluticasone as well as Salmeterol)
2. Budesonide. The product name is Pulmicort.

What does this drug do?

Inhaled steroids are one of the most important long-term control medications. They reduce swelling, inflammation and mucus production in the airways to help control and prevent asthma symptoms. Inhaled steroids can also reduce the "twitchiness" or irritability in the airways.
Inhaled steroids are long-term control medications, but do not immediately open the airways. They do not provide immediate relief of wheezing or acute asthma attacks.
For acute asthma attacks, your child will need a quick-relief medication such as Albuterol. For more information see Bronchodilators.

How is this medication taken?
Inhaled steroids are taken with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). It is good to use a spacer with a MDI to better deliver the medicine to the lungs. If your child is taking Budesonide (Pulmicort), it is inhaled from a nebulizer or Turbuhaler. The Turbuhaler is a dry powder device that does not need a spacer.

What is the usual dose?
The usual dose depends on the type of medication and whether you are taking a low, medium, or high dose. Doses of inhaled steroids are usually given 2 times a day. Your child's doctor will tell you what dosage your child needs.

What side effects can this drug cause?
Side effects are more common in children taking high doses of inhaled steroids. Common side effects include:
• hoarse voice
• thrush (a yeast infection of the mouth and throat).
Large doses over extended periods of time may cause other side effects involving the bones, eyes, and muscles.

What special instructions should be followed?
Rinse the mouth and spit after each treatment and use a spacer device to decrease the chance of side effects. Inhaled steroids should not be stopped abruptly without your physician's approval.

Written by the Asthma Task Force at The Children's Hospital, Denver.