Are you troubled by asthma attacks and unsure how your inhalers work? You may feel anxious when you do not see immediate relief. It can be scary to know your breathing is not steady. You want a clear, simple answer. This problem may leave you frustrated and confused.
However, both Flovent and Pulmicort help calm your airways as they attach to glucocorticoid receptors. They stop inflammatory mediators and ease irritation.
In this article, you will learn how these treatments function, what makes them unique, and how they can improve your breathing.
| 🔑 Key Takeaways ➤ Flovent uses fluticasone while Pulmicort uses budesonide; their active ingredients differ. ➤ Both medications lower inflammation and reduce immune cell counts, yet Pulmicort offers forms suited to different age groups. ➤ Flovent comes as an HFA inhaler and a Diskus inhaler, while Pulmicort appears as a Flexhaler and Respules. ➤ Studies show both improve lung function and ease asthma symptoms. They offer reliable benefits. ➤ Some patients must avoid Flovent if allergic to fluticasone; others must steer clear of Pulmicort if allergic to budesonide. Check with your doctor for the best option. |
Mechanism of Action
Flovent uses fluticasone while Pulmicort uses budesonide, and both bind to glucocorticoid receptors to block inflammatory mediators, but Pulmicort is available in different forms for adults and children.
Flovent
Flovent contains fluticasone. When you breathe it in, the fluticasone enters your lung cells and binds to glucocorticoid receptors, in turn stopping the release of inflammatory chemicals like cytokines. These cytokines would normally cause swelling and irritation in your airways.
As a result, the drug reduces the number of inflammatory cells that come to the lungs. You get less swelling and irritation, which helps prevent asthma attacks. This action makes your airways less sensitive to triggers.
Pulmicort
Pulmicort contains budesonide. Like fluticasone, budesonide enters your lung cells and binds to glucocorticoid receptors. This action changes how your genes produce inflammatory substances. It stops the release of chemicals that cause inflammation. It also reduces the number of inflammatory cells that enter your airways. You then experience less swelling and fewer asthma symptoms.
Pulmicort is available in different forms for adults and children, but its action is the same: calming the airways by stopping the release of inflammatory mediators.
Dosage and Administration
Flovent and Pulmicort are taken daily to prevent asthma attacks, and both require you to follow dosing instructions exactly and rinse your mouth after use.
Flovent
| Form | Usage | Administration | Special Instructions |
| Flovent HFA | Daily to prevent asthma attacks | Shake the inhaler if instructed, place your mouth firmly around the mouthpiece, and spray the dose into your lungs. | Rinse your mouth after use. Flovent is not meant for treating an ongoing asthma attack. |
| Flovent Diskus | Daily to prevent asthma attacks | Use the preloaded blister packs that release one dose per use. | Discard unused medicine after 6 weeks (50‑mcg) or after 2 months (100‑ and 250‑mcg), or when the counter shows “0”. Rinse your mouth after use. |
Flovent is approved for adults and children aged 4 years and older. It comes in different forms.
For example, the HFA inhaler and the Diskus inhaler have their own usage directions. You take one dose at a time, and you must not use extra doses if the dose counter doesn’t move immediately. The patient information emphasizes that you must follow the dose given on your prescription label exactly.
Flovent is not for treating an active asthma attack. After using it, you should rinse your mouth to prevent side effects like yeast infections.
The specific microgram strengths (for example, Flovent might come in doses like 44 mcg, 110 mcg, 220 mcg, etc.) are determined by your doctor based on your needs.
Pulmicort
| Form | Usage | Administration | Special Instructions |
| Pulmicort Flexhaler | Daily to keep airways calm and prevent symptoms; not a rescue medication | Follow the inhaler directions exactly. Use it for adults and children 6 years and older. | The dose counter may not update immediately, so do not use extra doses. Rinse your mouth after use to prevent thrush. |
| Pulmicort Respules | Daily to keep airways calm and prevent symptoms | Use with a standard jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor. Use the Respules by themselves in the nebulizer cup. | Do not mix with any other medicine. Use only for children aged 12 months to 8 years. |
Pulmicort is used to prevent asthma symptoms and is not a rescue medication. It comes in two main forms.
- The Pulmicort Flexhaler is designed for adults and children 6 years and older, and you might see strengths such as 90 mcg or 180 mcg per dose.
- The Pulmicort Respules are made for children aged 12 months to 8 years and are used with a standard jet nebulizer.
With both forms, you follow the exact dose prescribed. Do not take extra doses if you miss a dose—simply resume your regular schedule. After inhalation, rinse your mouth to help avoid thrush. Like Flovent, the exact dose (how many micrograms per puff and how many puffs per day) is provided on your prescription label and tailored to your individual needs.
| ⚠️ Important Consideration Both Flovent and Pulmicort are used to control asthma. They are not for a sudden attack. Instead, you use them every day to calm your airways and prevent symptoms. |
Efficacy and Clinical Studies
Studies show that Flovent can help breathe better and stick with treatment compared to a placebo, while Pulmicort also boosts breathing and cuts down on extra medicine for both adults and kids, so both work well for asthma.
Flovent
One study looked at how fluticasone propionate works in people with moderate asthma. In the study, patients using inhaled corticosteroids got either a placebo or one of several doses of fluticasone propionate via a metered-dose inhaler. The placebo group saw their forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) drop, but the treatment groups improved. The differences were statistically significant, highlighting the benefit.
Fewer patients on fluticasone propionate dropped out compared to those on placebo. Also, other measures like morning peak expiratory flow, overall symptom scores, and rescue medication use all favored fluticasone propionate. The safety profile was acceptable, and most side effects were mild, mainly affecting the oropharynx/larynx.
This study showed that Flovent, which contains fluticasone propionate, is effective and well-tolerated for treating moderate asthma.
Pulmicort
Studies have shown that Pulmicort also helps improve lung function in asthma. In one study, patients using Pulmicort Turbuhaler saw their forced expiratory volume (FEV1) improve after short-term treatment and then get even better with long-term use. Oral corticosteroid use also dropped, showing a reduction in extra medications needed to control symptoms over time.
A different study looked at Pulmicort Respules in young children. Different doses given twice daily improved both nighttime and daytime asthma symptom scores. They also reduced the need for rescue medication and improved morning peak expiratory flow. Fewer children dropped out because of worsening symptoms, and the safety outcomes were similar to placebo.
These results show that Pulmicort is effective and safe for treating persistent asthma.
Side Effects
Both Flovent and Pulmicort can cause common side effects like a runny or stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat, but they may also lead to serious issues like allergic reactions or vision problems
Flovent
Common side effects include:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat or sinus pain
- Low fever
- Cough or wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Hoarseness
- White patches or sores in your mouth or on your lips
- Headache
- Nausea or upset stomach
Serious side effects include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing)
- Blurred or tunnel vision
- Eye pain or swelling
Remember to always rinse your mouth after using Flovent to help prevent yeast infections in your throat. Also, Flovent is not meant to treat an ongoing asthma attack.
Pulmicort
Common side effects include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Red or itchy eyes
- Fever
- Sore throat or cough
- Nausea
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nosebleeds
- Headache
- Back pain
Serious side effects include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction (hives, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- Worsening asthma symptoms (wheezing, choking, or breathing problems after use)
- White patches or sores in the mouth
- Blurred or tunnel vision, eye pain, or swelling
For children, note that budesonide (the active ingredient in Pulmicort) may affect growth. Always rinse your mouth after inhalation to help prevent thrush, and remember that Pulmicort is not a rescue medication.
Patient Suitability and Considerations
Both Flovent and Pulmicort have key patient considerations; do not use them if you’re allergic to their active ingredients, and tell your doctor if you have serious infections or eye problems.
Flovent
You should not use Flovent if you are allergic to fluticasone or have a severe allergy to milk proteins.
Also, tell your doctor if you have any history of the following:
- Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
- Glaucoma or cataracts
- Parasitic infections
- Tuberculosis
- Herpes infections of the eyes
- Liver disease
- Low bone mineral density
Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may lead to bone loss, although studies on the subject are conflicting. That said, those at high risk for osteoporosis may need regular boned density monitoring to ensure bone health remains adequate.
Finally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the risks with your doctor. It’s always important to review optimal asthma management, which may or may not include the use of inhaled corticosteroids.
Pulmicort
Do not use Pulmicort if you are allergic to budesonide or have a severe allergy to milk proteins. Let your doctor know if you have the following:
- Food or drug allergies
- Liver disease
- Osteoporosis or low bone mineral density
- Glaucoma or cataracts
- Herpes infections of the eyes
- Tuberculosis
- Any infection caused by bacteria, fungus, virus, or parasites.
Like Flovent, long-term use of Pulmicort may contribute to bone loss, and in children, budesonide can affect growth. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Prices and Discounts
Both Flovent and Pulmicort come in various strengths with set cash prices, and you can save up to 80% with a free Drugs.com discount card, but these deals don’t work with insurance.
Flovent
| Product | Strength | Supply (grams) | Price (USD) |
| Flovent HFA | 44 mcg/inh | 10.6 | $222.79 |
| 110 mcg/inh | 12 | $295.13 | |
| 220 mcg/inh | 12 | $453.30 | |
| Flovent Generic | — | 10.6 | $172.48 |
Flovent HFA comes in three strengths.
- For the 44 mcg/inh inhalation aerosol, you pay about $222.79 for a 10.6‑gram supply.
- The 110 mcg/inh version costs around $295.13 for 12 grams
- The 220 mcg/inh dose runs at roughly $453.30 for 12 grams.
A generic version is available for about $172.48 for 10.6 grams. You can save up to 80% or more with the free Drugs.com discount card.
But note, these prices only apply to cash-paying customers and do not work with insurance plans.
Pulmicort
Pulmicort comes in two forms.
First, Pulmicort Respules (inhalation suspension) has three strengths. The 0.25 mg/2 mL dose costs about $282.21 for 60 milliliters. The 0.5 mg/2 mL version is roughly $330.51, and the 1 mg/2 mL dose is around $651.81 for 60 milliliters. A generic option starts at about $64.10 for 60 milliliters.
| Strength | Supply (mL) | Price (USD) |
| 0.25 mg/2 mL | 60 | $282.21 |
| 0.5 mg/2 mL | 60 | $330.51 |
| 1 mg/2 mL | 60 | $651.81 |
| Generic option | 60 | $64.10 |
Second, Pulmicort Flexhaler (inhalation powder) offers two strengths. The 90 mcg/inh dose costs about $215.54 per unit, while the 180 mcg/inh dose costs roughly $285.49 per unit.
| Strength | Supply | Price (USD) |
| 90 mcg/inh | Per unit | $215.54 |
| 180 mcg/inh | Per unit | $285.49 |
You can use the free Drugs.com discount card to save up to 80% or more. Remember, these prices are for cash-paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.
Wrap Up
Both Flovent and Pulmicort help ease asthma symptoms by calming your airways. They work by binding to glucocorticoid receptors and blocking inflammatory mediators. Flovent uses fluticasone while Pulmicort uses budesonide, so their active ingredients differ.
Each treatment reduces inflammation and immune cell counts, which helps improve lung function.
It is important to follow the dosing instructions exactly. After each use, rinse your mouth to prevent side effects. Check with your doctor to find the best option for you.
FAQs on Pulmicort vs. Flovent
What is the active ingredient in Flovent?
Flovent contains fluticasone propionate. This inhaled corticosteroid works to keep your airways open.
How often should you use Flovent?
Most people use Flovent twice a day. Follow your doctor’s instructions for the best results.
What delivery options does Flovent offer?
Flovent comes as an HFA inhaler and as a Diskus. Your doctor will help you pick the right device.
What is Pulmicort used for?
Pulmicort helps control asthma by reducing airway inflammation. Use it regularly to keep symptoms at bay.
What is the active ingredient in Pulmicort?
Pulmicort contains budesonide. This inhaled corticosteroid helps keep your airways clear.
How often should you use Pulmicort?
You usually use Pulmicort twice daily. Stick to your doctor’s advice to manage your asthma.
What types of Pulmicort devices are available?
Pulmicort is available as a Flexhaler and as Respules. Your doctor can guide you on which one fits your needs.
Sources
- Wolfe, J. D., Selner, J. C., Mendelson, L. M., Hampel, F., Jr., & Schaberg, A. (1996). Effectiveness of fluticasone propionate in patients with moderate asthma: A dose-ranging study. Clinical Therapeutics, 18(4), 635–646. Retrieved from https://www.clinicaltherapeutics.com/article/S0149-2918(96)80214-1/abstract
- Tinkelman, D. G., Bronsky, E. A., Gross, G., Schoenwetter, W. F., & Spector, S. L. (2003, May). Efficacy and safety of budesonide inhalation powder (Pulmicort Turbuhaler) during 52 weeks of treatment in adults and children with persistent asthma. Journal of Asthma, 40(3), 225–236. https://doi.org/10.1081/jas-120020186