Budesonide

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

[nasal sprays] Budeflam aquanase, Inflanaze, Rhinocort; [other] Budoneb (nebulising suspension), ,Inflammide (powder for inhalation), Pulmicort (turbuhaler, nebs)

Popular combinations:

Symbicord, Vannair

Drug group:

Corticosteroid

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Budesonide is available in various forms and is used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions:

• Asthma: inhaled budesonide is useful in the prevention of asthma attacks when control is not adequate with bronchodilators alone
• Nasal sprays useful to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps
• Slow-release capsules are used to relieve the symptoms of Crohn’s disease
• Budesonide enemas can be used to treat ulcerative colitis

How should it be used?

Inhaled budesonide can cause mouth and throat irritation - thoroughly rinse/gargle with water after each inhalation to avoid this complication.

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Inhaler: 200–1600mcg, twice daily
• Nasal spray: 100–200mcg, 1-2x daily
• Capsules: 3–9mg, 1–3 x daily
• Enema: 2mg, once daily at bedtime

How quickly will it start to work?

Asthma within 1 week, other conditions 1–3 days

How long will the effects last?

12–24 hours
  

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop using budesonide without consulting your doctor

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Inhaled budesonide is usually required for long-term asthma prevention, but is safe if appropriate doses are used. High doses of inhaled budesonide for long periods can lead to peptic ulcers, osteoporosis, glaucoma, muscle weakness, and growth retardation in children.

Children using inhalers should have their growth (height) monitored regularly.

What are the possible side effects?

Budesonide in inhaled or nasal form causes fewer and milder side effects compared to oral forms.

The following have been reported:

• Inhalers and nasal sprays: cough, nasal irritation, bruising, sore throat, hoarseness, nosebleeds (rare)
• Capsules and enemas: diarrhoea or constipation, rash and/or itching (uncommon)

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: tuberculosis or another respiratory infection
• Other medicines: Itraconazole, ritonavir, telaprevir
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Discuss with your doctor, especially capsules
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No special problems
• Alcohol: No special problems