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Alternatives to Pulmicort in Children

According to the Mayo Clinic, asthma occurs when the airways in your lungs (bronchial tubes) become inflamed and constricted. Symptoms range from minor wheezing to a life-threatening attack. While asthma cannot be cured, a variety of medications are available to help control symptoms. Pulmicort is one choice, but some parents may not feel it is the best for their child because of its side effects.

  1. About Pulmicort

    • According to Medline Plus, nearly nine million children in the United States have asthma. Pulmicort is one option for the prevention of asthma attacks. Budesonide-- a corticosteroid that's the main drug in pulmicort--can affect growth in children, according to Drugs.com. Some parents have reported severe mood swings in their children while taking the drug. Pulmicort decreases swelling and inflammation in the airways that can lead to asthma attacks. However, it does not work on asthma attacks already in progress. Side effects of pulmicort can include coughing, thrush, viral infection, vomiting, bloody nose and pink-eye.

    Anti-Inflammatories

    • According to the American Lung Association, Cromolyn has been used for 30 years and has few side effects. This anti-inflammatory must be used regularly to be effective.

      The American Lung Association describes Leukotriene modifiers, a new class of oral anti-inflammatory drugs for asthma approved by the FDA, as another alternative. They are sold under the names of Accolate, Singulair and Zyflo.

      According to the American Lung Association, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) expert panel for children recommends anti-inflammatory asthma medications for children with mild persistent, moderate and severe asthma. The medication should be part of their daily routine and many are safe for long-term use.

    Bronchodilator Medications

    • These medications work by relaxing the muscle bands that tighten around the airways, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They also help clear mucus from the lungs. These medications can be used long term, or they can help stop a asthma attack.

      Theophylline, one bronchodilator medication, is effective in daily control of symptoms, especially nighttime asthma. Side effects tend to be more bothersome than other medications. Your child may be taking too much medication if he exhibits muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, headache, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Your doctor will check your child's blood levels to ensure the proper dosage.

    Other Options

    • Xolair is the first in a new class of therapies that are bioengineered to target IgE (the antibody behind allergic asthma) in the treatment of allergic disease, according to the American Lung Association. According to Xolair.com, some patients have had a severe allergic reaction to the medication, resulting in a condition called anaphylaxis.

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