Budesonide
Budesonide is a corticosteroid drug with many benefits, depending on the type of drug. This drug is available in the form of an inhaler that is inhaled through the mouth, nasal spray, nebulizer fluid, and capsules. Inhaler and nebulizer preparations are used to relieve asthma. Nasal sprays are used to treat allergic reactions in the nasal cavity, and capsule preparations can be used to treat Crohn’s disease.
- Drug Class: Corticosteroids.
- Category: Prescription drugs.
- Indications: Relieves asthma, allergic reactions in the nose, and Crohn’s disease (depending on the ingredients and preparation of the drug).
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Category:
Category B (other than capsules)
May be used by pregnant women. Animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus. However, there is no direct evidence in pregnant women.
Category C (for capsules)
This drug is used with the consideration that the benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. Animal studies have shown a risk to the fetus and there have been no studies in pregnant women.
- Drug Forms: Nasal inhaler, nasal spray, nebulizer solution, and capsules.
- Drug Trademarks: Budenofalk, Budesonide, Sonid, Symbicort, Obucort Swinghaler, Pulmicort, Rhinocort Aqua, Entocort EC, and Uceris.
Benefits of Budesonide
Depending on the ingredients and preparation of the drug, budesonide is a class of corticosteroid drugs to help treat certain intestinal disorders (including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease). However, this drug only helps relieve symptoms, such as diarrhea and pain.
In addition, budesonide is also used to relieve symptoms of asthma. The drug will work directly on the lungs to help ease breathing, by reducing swelling and irritation in the airways. Regular use of budesonide inhaler preparations can help reduce the severity of asthma attacks.
Budesonide Dosage
The dosage given by the doctor can vary from person to person, depending on the type of disease that is the cause, the severity of the disease, and the age of the sufferer. Here are the details of the common doses of budesonide given by doctors:
Asthma Disease
Adult dosage:
- Nasal spray: 400 micrograms daily, which can be increased to 1.6 milligrams for severe disease. The daily maintenance dose is 200 to 400 micrograms.
- Inhaler: 200 to 800 micrograms taken daily with a maximum daily dose of 800 micrograms. Use is done twice a day.
- Nebulizer: 1 to 2 milligrams taken twice daily for severe asthma. While in standard conditions, the dose given is 0.5 to 1 milligram.
Children’s dosage:
- Nasal spray: For children aged between 2 – 12 years, a dose of 200 to 800 micrograms is given daily in divided doses.
- Inhaler: For children aged between 5 – 12 years, a dose of 200 to 800 micrograms is given every day.
- Nebulizer: For children aged between 3 months and 12 years, a dose of 0.5 to 1 milligram is given as an initial dose. Then, a maintenance dose of 0.25 to 0.5 milligrams is given twice a day.
Allergic Reactions in the Nose
Adult dosage:
- Nasal spray: 100 micrograms per dose with 1 spray into each nostril and can be used for up to 3 months. Another option is 2 sprays into each nostril with 64 micrograms per dose once daily.
Children’s dosage:
- For children over 6 years of age, the dosage given is the same as for adults. Meanwhile, the dosage for children under 6 years of age is not yet known.
Crohn’s disease
Adult dosage:
- Capsules for active disease: 9 milligrams daily as a single dose taken 30 minutes before breakfast or 3 divided doses for up to 8 weeks. The dose may be reduced 2 to 4 weeks before stopping therapy.
- Capsules for relapsing disease: The same can be done for 8 weeks. The maintenance dose for the disease is 6 milligrams once a day for up to 3 months. Reduce the dose gradually to stop taking the drug.
How to Use Budesonide
Be sure to read the information and instructions for using the medicine as stated on the label, and the prescription from your doctor before starting to use this medicine and each time you want to refill it. Do not change the dose or stop taking the medicine without your doctor’s approval. Here’s how to use budesonide:
- Nebulizer
Shake the device gently before use. The dosage given depends on the patient’s medical condition and body response to the treatment. Make sure the dosage given is in accordance with the doctor’s recommendation.
Inhale with this device through your mouth, use once or twice a day. Breathe calmly for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid contact with eyes. Gargling after using the nebulizer can prevent possible side effects.
- Nasal Spray
Clean your nose to remove mucus or dirt from your nose. Shake the sprayer before use. Open the cap and close one nostril with your finger. Make sure your head is slightly down and insert the tip of the sprayer slowly. Then, press the pump to help spray the medicine. Repeat for the other nostril.
- Inhaler
Be sure to follow the instructions on the medication packaging. Unlock the safety catch and place the snout in your mouth. Take a deep breath into the device. After inhaling, hold your breath for 10 seconds. Repeat this step if your doctor recommends it.
- Capsule
Consume the medicine with the help of drinking water. Make sure to swallow it whole, and avoid chewing the medicine before it enters the body.
Cautions for Using Budesonide
Always follow the directions on the label, medication guide, and doctor’s instructions. For capsule-type drugs, the drug is consumed whole with the help of mineral water. Avoid chewing or crushing capsules before consumption.
The dosage requirement of the medication may change at any given time. However, it is best to avoid changing the dosage without a doctor’s recommendation. If you experience side effects or symptoms do not improve, consult your doctor directly to get other medication or treatment options.
Budesonide Side Effects
The side effects that can occur in each person can vary, depending on the type of drug consumed. Meanwhile, the side effects of using budesonide that can occur include:
- Headache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Heart pounding.
- Mood swings.
- Cough and hoarseness.
- The body feels tired and weak.
- Muscle and joint pain.
Budesonide Interactions
The following drug interactions can occur if budesonide is used simultaneously with other drugs:
- If taken together with carbamazepine, the effectiveness of budesonide will be reduced.
- If taken together with ketoconazole, the potential for budesonide side effects will increase.
Budesonide Contraindications
Avoid taking budesonide if you have the following medical conditions:
- TB.
- Serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
- Weak immune system.
- High blood pressure.
- Cirrhosis or other liver disease.
- Gastric ulcer.
- Osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.
- Eczema.
- Any type of allergy.
Apart from that, budesonide should also not be consumed if there is a history of diabetes, cataracts, and glaucoma, either in yourself or your family.