How much to take

Asthma

Your doctor will tell you how much to take. This will depend on how severe your asthma is. Your doctor may lower your dose as your asthma improves.

• The recommended starting dose in adults and children over 12 years is 1 mg to 2 mg (milligrams), twice a day.
• Children under 12 years are usually prescribed lower doses (0.5 mg to 1 mg, twice a day).

Croup

The recommended dose for infants and children is 2 mg a day. This may be given all in one go, or 1 mg may be given followed by another 1 mg 30 minutes later.

Instructions for using Pulmicort Respules

1. Break off a Respule from the strip. Leave the rest in the foil envelope.
2. Shake the Respule gently.
3. Hold upright. Twist off the top of the Respule to open.
4. Place the open end of the Respule firmly inside the nebuliser cup. Squeeze slowly to put the liquid in the cup.
5. Throw the empty Respule away. Put the top back on the nebuliser cup.
6. Connect one end of the cup to the face mask or mouthpiece.
7. Connect the other end of the cup to the air pump.
8. Gently shake the cup.
9. Turn on the nebuliser and breathe in the mist calmly and deeply using the face mask or mouthpiece. If you are using a face mask, make sure the face mask fits tightly.
10. You will know when your treatment is complete because the fine mist will stop coming out of your mask or mouthpiece.
11. How long it takes to nebulise all the medicine depends on the type of equipment you use. It will also depend on the amount of medicine to be used.
12. Rinse your mouth with water. Spit out the water. Do not swallow it. If you have used a face mask, wash your face as well.
13. After each use, you must wash the nebuliser cup and mouthpiece (or face mask) in warm soapy water and rinse well. After washing, dry these parts by connecting to the air outlet or the compressor and blow air through them.

Important information about your asthma symptoms

If you feel you are getting breathless or wheezy while using Pulmicort Respules, you should continue to use Pulmicort Respules but go to see your doctor as soon as possible, as you may need additional treatment.

Contact your doctor immediately if:

• Your breathing is getting worse or you often wake up at night with asthma.
• Your chest starts to feel tight in the morning or your chest tightness lasts longer than usual.

These signs could mean that your condition is not being properly controlled and you may need different or additional treatment immediately.

If you use more Pulmicort Respules than you should

It is important that you take your dose as stated on the pharmacist’s label or as advised by your doctor. You should not increase or decrease your dose without seeking medical advice. If you use more Pulmicort Respules than you should, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you forget to use Pulmicort Respules

If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual.