Budesonide

Dosage Forms Available

• Budesonide is available for use via the oral (tablet, capsule, inhalation powder, inhalation suspension) topical (creams) and rectal (foam and enema) route.

Age And Dose Restrictions

• The tablets, capsules, rectal foam and enema are only intended for adults. Inhalation powder can be used by adults and children above 6 years, and inhalation suspension can be used by children of 1 year and above.

Contraindications 

• Budesonide is contraindicated in acute dyspnea or Status asthmaticus patients where intensive care measures are required.

Medications To Avoid With This Drug 

• Avoid medications like Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Clarithromycin, Atazanavir, Indinavir Nelfinavir, Ritonavir, Saquinavi, Nefazodone, Dexamethasone, Methylprednisolone, Prednisone and Telithromycin.

Overdose And Missed Dose

• If you miss a dose of Budesonide, take it as soon as you remember. But, if the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing regime.

Management Of Side Effects

• Oral inhalation of Budesonide can potentially cause fungal (candida albicans) infection of the mouth and throat. It is advised to rinse the mouth following oral inhalation.

Use In Driving And Operating Machinery

• Budesonide can make you feel dizzy. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other activities that require mental alertness or coordination until you know how this medication affects you. 

Use In Pregnancy And Lactation

• Caution is advised in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Caution In Other Conditions

• Caution is advised in elderly patients.
• Caution is advised in patients with existing infections (tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection; or ocular herpes simplex), weakened immune system, osteoporosis or low bone mineral density, glaucoma and cataracts.

Special Dietary And Lifestyle Recommendation

• If corticosteroids are used excessively for prolonged periods, systemic corticosteroid effects such as hypercortisolism (Cushing syndrome) or growth suppression may occur. Therefore, strict adherence to the prescribed duration is essential.
• Budesonide is a corticosteroid. Hence, it should not be stopped abruptly. It's dose is gradually tapered before stopping it. Follow the instructions of your doctor regarding this as sudden withdrawal can have serious side effects.
• ​​Do not eat or drink grapefruit juice while taking Budesonide tablets/capsules. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice can increase the level of Budesonide in your blood.
• This medication can lead to fluid retention and high blood pressure. Limit your sodium intake by avoiding highly processed and salty foods.
• Budesonide can weaken bones, so consider increasing the intake of calcium-rich foods (e.g., dairy products, leafy greens) and vitamin D (e.g., fortified foods, exposure to sunlight) to support bone health.
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol. Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can worsen inflammation and interfere with the effectiveness of budesonide.