Bad Side Effects Of Pulmicort Flexhaler

Pulmicort Flexhaler is an inhaled corticosteroid used in the management of asthma in children and adults. It is not used in the treatment of an asthma attack; instead, it is used to maintain normal airway function. Pulmicort is a corticosteroid that stabilizes the cells in the bronchi so that they do not react or spasm and narrow. It is not an anabolic steroid like those used in muscle building. It is not a bronchodilator, a drug used to relaxed the muscles in the bronchi, large airways, and keep the bronchi open.

Fungal Infections of the Mouth

Fungal infections of the mouth and pharynx are not uncommon side effects of Pulmicort Flexhaler or budesonide. One of the effects of steroids is to produce anti-inflammatory responses so the body has a diminished capacity to fight infections. The body's bacteria cannot keep the fungi in check, so the fungi overgrow. The oral fungal infection looks like white spots inside the cheek or as a white coating on the tongue.

Increased Eye Pressure

Increased pressure within the eye has been reported with use of Pulmicort Flexhaler, sometimes resulting in glaucoma. Increased intraocular pressure is caused by an increased in the aqueous humor, the fluid inside of the eye's globe. It normally circulates from the posterior chamber to the anterior chamber via the pupil. When it is unable to flow correctly, the pressure in the eye increases.

Steroid-induced Psychosis

Corticosteroids are known to be associated with steroid-induced psychosis which may present as a range of conditions such as depression, mania, bipolar disorder, paranoid psychois or delirium. Steroid-induced psychosis occurs in 12 to 62 percent of cases, according to author and consultant Richard Hall, M.D. Steroid-induced psychosis is a rare, but serious side effect of Pulmicort Flexhaler.