Budesonide
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ... show more
Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Corticosteroid
Controlled Drug Substance
NO

Budesonide
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Click HereSummary
Budesonide is used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It helps induce remission in active cases of these conditions and maintain remission.
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune response in the body. This helps decrease symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
For adults with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, the recommended dose is 9 mg taken orally once daily in the morning. The safety and effectiveness of Budesonide for children have not been established.
Common side effects of Budesonide include headache, nausea, and decreased blood cortisol. Serious adverse effects can include hypercorticism, adrenal suppression, and increased risk of infections.
Budesonide is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients. It should be used cautiously in elderly patients and those with severe liver impairment. Important warnings include the risk of hypercorticism, adrenal suppression, immunosuppression and increased risk of infections.
Indications and Purpose
How does Budesonide work?
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation by inhibiting multiple inflammatory cells and mediators. It has a high glucocorticoid effect and a weak mineralocorticoid effect, providing targeted relief with minimal systemic exposure due to its first-pass metabolism.
How does one know if Budesonide is working?
The benefit of Budesonide is evaluated through clinical assessments, including symptom relief and endoscopic findings. Patients are monitored for improvements in their condition, such as reduced inflammation and symptom remission, to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.
Is Budesonide effective?
Budesonide has been shown to be effective in inducing remission in patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Clinical trials demonstrated that Budesonide extended-release tablets 9 mg were superior to placebo in inducing remission, with significant improvements in clinical symptoms and endoscopic findings.
What is Budesonide?
Budesonide is a corticosteroid used to treat conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It works by reducing inflammation in the body, helping to relieve symptoms and induce remission. Budesonide has a high topical glucocorticoid activity and undergoes substantial first-pass metabolism, minimizing systemic effects.
What is Budesonide used for?
Budesonide is indicated for the induction of remission in patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. It is also used for treating mild to moderate active Crohn's disease involving the ileum and/or ascending colon, and for the maintenance of clinical remission in Crohn's disease.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Budesonide?
Budesonide is typically used for up to 8 weeks for the induction of remission in patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. The duration may vary based on the condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication.
How do I dispose of Budesonide?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.
How do I take Budesonide?
Budesonide extended-release tablets should be taken orally once daily in the morning, with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or broken. Patients should avoid grapefruit juice, as it can increase Budesonide levels in the blood.
How long does it take for Budesonide to start working?
Budesonide may start to show effects within a few days to a week, but it can take up to 8 weeks to achieve full remission in conditions like ulcerative colitis. The exact time frame can vary based on the individual's response to the medication.
How should I store Budesonide?
Budesonide should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep the container tightly closed to protect from light and moisture. Always store medications out of the reach of children.
What is the usual dose of Budesonide?
For adults with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, the recommended dose is 9 mg taken orally once daily in the morning for up to 8 weeks. For children, the dosage and administration depend on the specific condition being treated and should be determined by a healthcare provider.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Budesonide be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Budesonide is present in human milk following maternal inhalation, but the effects on the breastfed infant are not well-studied. Nursing mothers should consider the benefits of breastfeeding along with the mother's need for Budesonide and any potential adverse effects on the infant.
Can Budesonide be taken safely while pregnant?
Budesonide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown potential risks, but there is limited data from human studies. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits.
Can I take Budesonide with other prescription drugs?
Budesonide interacts with CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole, which can increase its systemic exposure. Grapefruit juice should be avoided as it can also increase Budesonide levels. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Can I take Budesonide with vitamins or supplements?
There are no well-documented confirmed interactions between Budesonide and vitamins or supplements. However, it's always important to inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you're taking, as they can help identify any potential interactions. Budesonide does not typically cause nutrient depletion, so no specific supplementation is needed. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplements to ensure they are safe and won't interfere with your medication.
Does Budesonide have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted or harmful effects that can occur with medication use. For Budesonide, some concerning adverse effects include headache, nausea, and respiratory infections, which are relatively common. Rare but serious effects that need immediate medical attention include severe allergic reactions, vision changes, or signs of infection like fever. It's important to report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider. Always talk to your doctor before stopping any medication, as they can help manage side effects and adjust treatment if necessary.
Does Budesonide have any safety warnings?
Budesonide comes with several safety warnings. It can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Watch for signs like fever or persistent sore throat. Long-term use may lead to bone thinning, so monitoring bone health is important. It can also cause eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma, so regular eye exams are advised. If you experience vision changes, report them to your doctor. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions and report any unusual symptoms.
Is Budesonide addictive?
Budesonide is not known to be addictive or habit-forming. It does not have the potential to cause physical or psychological dependence. Therefore, there are no specific behaviors or warning signs related to addiction for this medication. It's important to use Budesonide as prescribed by your healthcare provider and not to stop it abruptly without consulting them, but addiction is not a concern with this medication.
Is Budesonide safe for the elderly?
Budesonide should be used cautiously in elderly patients due to the potential for decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and the presence of other diseases or drug therapies. It's important for elderly patients to be closely monitored by their healthcare provider while using Budesonide.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Budesonide?
Most people tolerate Budesonide well, and occasional alcoholic drinks should not affect the way this medicine works. There are no well-established interactions between Budesonide and alcohol that would interfere with the medicine's effectiveness. However, alcohol can sometimes worsen certain conditions Budesonide treats, like asthma or bowel issues. It's best to consume alcohol in moderation and be aware of how your body reacts. If you experience any unusual symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Budesonide?
Most people tolerate Budesonide well, and it should not limit your ability to exercise. There are no known symptoms caused by Budesonide that would reduce exercise capacity, physical strength, or endurance. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms during physical activity, such as shortness of breath or dizziness, take precautions and consult your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on how to safely continue your exercise routine while taking Budesonide.
Is it safe to stop Budesonide?
Budesonide is often used for managing chronic conditions like asthma or inflammatory bowel disease, which require long-term treatment. Stopping it suddenly can lead to a return of symptoms or a flare-up of the condition. There may also be withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. It's crucial to consult your doctor before stopping Budesonide, as they can guide you on how to taper off the medication safely if needed. Never stop taking it without medical advice, as this could lead to serious health risks.
What are the most common side effects of Budesonide?
Side effects are unwanted effects that can happen when taking a medicine. Common side effects of Budesonide include headache, nausea, respiratory infections, and dizziness. These effects are generally mild and may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. It's important to remember that new symptoms might not always be related to the medicine. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medication, as they can help determine the cause of symptoms and adjust treatment if needed.
Who should avoid taking Budesonide?
Budesonide is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients. Important warnings include the risk of hypercorticism, adrenal suppression, immunosuppression, and increased infection risk. Patients with liver disease should be monitored closely, and the drug should be used cautiously in those with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis.