Flovent vs. Pulmicort
See how Flovent and Pulmicort compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Flovent and Pulmicort are both inhaled corticosteroids taken twice daily for long-term asthma control, not for sudden asthma attacks.
Flovent is approved starting at age 4, while Pulmicort's Flexhaler is approved starting at age 6, though Pulmicort also comes as a nebulized suspension for younger children.
Flovent typically costs less per month than Pulmicort at list price, before insurance or savings programs.
Flovent vs. Pulmicort Drug Summary
Flovent
Flovent (fluticasone propionate) is an inhaled corticosteroid used for daily, long-term control of asthma. It comes as either an HFA aerosol inhaler or a Diskus powder inhaler, taken twice a day, and is approved for patients 4 years and older.
Pulmicort
Pulmicort (budesonide) is an inhaled corticosteroid used for daily, long-term control of asthma. It is delivered through the Flexhaler dry powder device twice a day and is approved for patients 6 years and older.
Flovent vs. Pulmicort Side Effects
Flovent
Pulmicort
Flovent vs. Pulmicort Dosage
Flovent
Pulmicort
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 88 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 880 mcg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 180 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 720 mcg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Flovent
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 88 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 880 mcg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Pulmicort
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 180 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 720 mcg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Flovent vs. Pulmicort Indications
Flovent
Flovent is approved for the ongoing prevention of asthma symptoms in patients 4 years and older. It is also used in patients who need oral corticosteroids for asthma control, as it can help reduce or eliminate the need for oral steroids over time.
Long-term maintenance therapy for asthma, ages 4 and up
Add-on therapy for patients requiring oral corticosteroids
Not for relief of sudden asthma attacks
Not for status asthmaticus or acute breathing emergencies
Pulmicort
Pulmicort is approved for the ongoing prevention of asthma symptoms in patients 6 years and older. It is sometimes used off-label to help manage eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the esophagus.
Long-term maintenance therapy for asthma, ages 6 and up
Off-label use in eosinophilic esophagitis management
Not for relief of sudden asthma attacks
Not for status asthmaticus or acute breathing emergencies
Flovent vs. Pulmicort Pros and Cons
Flovent
Flovent has a long track record as one of the most widely used inhaled corticosteroids and now offers a generic option since the brand was discontinued. It comes in two device formats, giving patients and families some flexibility in choosing an inhaler style.
Pros
Approved down to age 4, one year younger than Pulmicort's Flexhaler
Available in two device types: HFA aerosol and Diskus powder inhaler
Generic fluticasone is available at a lower typical monthly cost, roughly $50 to $150 versus $200 to $350 for Pulmicort
Cons
Original brand-name Flovent HFA and Diskus were discontinued in 2024, requiring a switch to generic
No nebulized liquid option for very young children or those who cannot use a handheld inhaler
Candidiasis and dysphonia are listed among its common side effects
Pulmicort
Pulmicort has been on the market since 2006 and is unique among inhaled corticosteroids in offering a nebulized suspension for young children. That flexibility comes with a higher typical price and a milk protein consideration some patients need to know about.
Pros
Available as a nebulized suspension (Respules) for children too young for a handheld inhaler
Long, well-established safety record since its 2006 approval
Widely used off-label for eosinophilic esophagitis with good published experience
Cons
Higher typical monthly cost, roughly $200 to $350 versus $50 to $150 for Flovent
Contains trace milk proteins, which can pose a risk for patients with severe milk allergy
Flexhaler device not approved for children under 6
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