the day, if possible. An SpO2 above 93% would be consistent with moderate severity.
Covid-19 Treatments Budesonide Therapy Studies have shown inhaled budesonide (Pulmicort) has a modest benefit in reducing illness duration and need for admission. If available, offer to patients who are within 14 days of onset of COVID-19 symptoms and are not taking other inhaled or systemic corticosteroids, and are either: • aged 65 years or older, or • any age with any of the following: • diabetes • heart disease and/or hypertension asthma or lung disease • immunocompromised • mild hepatic impairment • stroke or other neurological problem • obesity. Dose: 800 microgram twice daily. Duration of therapy: up to 14 days. Due to world-wide demand, supply may become a problem. Only supply one inhaler per patient. Consider clinical review if further inhalers are requested. Provide patient instructions on how to use a turbuhaler device (includes instructional video). https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/medicines/b/budesonide-for-inhalation/ Do not start inhaled budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort) in place of budesonide (Pulmicort) for this indication. The unnecessary LABA is likely to induce unwanted side effects. Patients already using an inhaled corticosteroid for a different indication (either alone or in combination with long acting beta agonist [LABA]) should continue to use their regular medication and not switch budesonide. Ask about allergies before providing any medications.
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