Budesonide
Description
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that is used to relieve inflammation (swelling and redness) in conditions like asthma (a condition that affects your airways and leads to breathing difficulty) and inflammatory bowel disease (swelling and irritation in the digestive tract). It works by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers in your body that cause swelling and irritation.
Budesonide is available on prescription as a capsule, tablet, inhalation powder, inhalation suspension and rectal form. Budesonide inhalation powder is prescribed for adults and children above the age of 6. Budesonide inhalation suspension (liquid) is prescribed for children aged 12 months to 8 years.
Budesonide may cause some side effects like bruising, chills, cold, cough, diarrhoea, headache and nausea. Inform your doctor if these side effects become severe or persist for a long time.
Budesonide should be used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. For the ease of remembering, use it around the same time every day. Even if you see an improvement in your condition, do not stop taking it. If you discontinue Budesonide too soon, your symptoms may return or worsen.
Budesonide may interact with the action of other medicines. Inform your doctor about any other health issues like liver, kidney, heart troubles or if you are undergoing any medical treatment before taking this medicine. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Budesonide
- Fever
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Lower back pain
- Shaking of hands or feet
- Indigestion
- Change in vision
- Dizziness
- Pain and swelling of joint
Uses of Budesonide
What is it prescribed for?
- Asthma
- Crohn's Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of Budesonide is usually rapid; however, it may differ depending on the type of dosage form. The onset of action for each preparation is as follows: Inhalation suspension: 2–3 hours Inhalation powder: 24 hours
- Duration of effectThe effect of Budesonide lasts for an average duration of 21 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported for Budesonide.
- Usage in pregnancy?The inhaler is recommended in pregnant women. The oral form of Budesonide is not recommended for pregnant women unless necessary. However, consult your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?The oral form of Budesonide is known to excrete through the breastmilk. Therefore, not recommended in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The amount of inhaled medicine is excreted in negligible amounts in breastmilk. Therefore, can be used in breastfeeding women.
Allergy
Avoid taking Budesonide if you are allergic to it. Allergic reactions are very rare to this medicine. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching/swelling (of your face/tongue/throat), breathing difficulties, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
The inhaler is recommended in pregnant women. The oral form of Budesonide is not recommended for pregnant women unless necessary. However, consult your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
The oral form of Budesonide is known to excrete through the breastmilk. Therefore, not recommended in breastfeeding women unless necessary.
The amount of inhaled medicine is excreted in negligible amounts in breastmilk. Therefore, can be used in breastfeeding women.
General warnings
Infections
Budesonide will decrease the immune response (defence mechanism) of your body and mask the symptoms of infection. Thus, the risk of secondary infections ((that occurs during or after treating an infection) may increase.
Diabetes
Budesonide may increase the blood glucose levels and worsen the symptoms of diabetes. Use it carefully if you have diabetes.
Decrease bone density
Budesonide may reduce bone density by reducing calcium absorption. Because of the risk of developing bone injuries, it should be used with caution, especially if you are a postmenopausal (after menopause) woman.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Budesonide, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose of Budesonide.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Clarithromycin
Ketoconazole
Antihypertensives
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Disease interactions
Impaired liver function
Use Budesonide with caution if you have liver problems. This medicine is broken down in your liver. Having liver problems may increase the accumulation of this medicine in your body which may damage your liver further. Your doctor will suggest tests to regularly monitor your liver function. They may also adjust the dose of the medicine as per requirements.
Hyperadrenocorticism
Hyperadrenocorticism is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high cortisol (hormone) levels. The inhaled and nasal form of Budesonide may occasionally cause or worsen hyperadrenocorticism symptoms (weight gain, round face, thin arms and legs etc).
Ocular herpes simplex
Ocular Herpes simplex is a condition of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) which often leads to blindness. Budesonide may increase the risk of damage or perforation in the cornea (protective outer layer of your eyes) if you have ocular Herpes simplex.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Budesonide as advised by the doctor. Do not take larger amounts than prescribed. Rinse your mouth after inhalation to prevent mouth infections.
The inhaler should be washed with water and dried under sunlight. Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects
Miscelleneous
How it works
Budesonide works by binding to the receptors and inhibits the release of chemical substances that cause swelling and irritation.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Glucocorticoids
Schedule
Schedule H
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Budenofalk 3mg gastro-resistant capsules - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 15 September 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Budesonide Oral Inhalation: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 15 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Budesonide 0.5mg Nebuliser Suspension - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 15 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 22 Sep 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.