What is the brand name for Budesonide?
The brand name for Budesonide is Pulmicort.
PTCE Top 200 · #162
Budesonide
Pulmicort
Budesonide is the generic name for the brand-name drug Pulmicort. It is an inhaled corticosteroid (ics) used to treat asthma (maintenance). On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Budesonide ranks #162 and is one of the most frequently tested respiratory/allergy medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Budesonide |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Pulmicort |
| Drug class | Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) |
| Class group | Respiratory/Allergy |
| Common use | asthma (maintenance) |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Budesonide used for?
Maintenance treatment of asthma as an inhaled corticosteroid (controller). Also used for maintenance therapy in COPD in some products/forms.
What drug class is Budesonide?
Budesonide is an Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in the Respiratory/Allergy group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Budesonide
- arrow_rightOral thrush (candidiasis)
- arrow_rightHoarseness/dysphonia
- arrow_rightThroat irritation
- arrow_rightCough
- arrow_rightUpper respiratory infection
- arrow_rightNasal congestion
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightNausea
Major interactions
- arrow_rightStrong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir/cobicistat) can increase systemic corticosteroid exposure
- arrow_rightOther corticosteroids or immunosuppressants may increase risk of systemic steroid effects
- arrow_rightLive vaccines: high-dose systemic steroid exposure may reduce vaccine response (less relevant to inhaled, but caution with high doses)
Is Budesonide a controlled substance?
No. Budesonide is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Budesonide (PTCE mnemonic)
PULM-icort PULLs PULMonary inflammation down — budesonide is an ICS controller (not rescue). Pregnancy-preferred ICS (historic cat B); RINSE mouth → thrush + hoarseness.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
An inhaled corticosteroid for CONTROL, not rescue — rinse and spit after each use to prevent thrush; the pediatric nebulizer Respules are budesonide's signature form.
Budesonide FAQ
What is Budesonide used for?
Budesonide is used to treat asthma (maintenance). Maintenance treatment of asthma as an inhaled corticosteroid (controller). Also used for maintenance therapy in COPD in some products/forms.
What drug class is Budesonide?
Budesonide is an Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (Respiratory/Allergy group).
Is Budesonide a controlled substance?
No. Budesonide is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Respiratory/Allergy group
Drill Budesonide the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).