What is Budesonide?

Budesonide belongs to a family of drugs called steroid. It works by preventing the release of inflammation causing chemicals and substances in the body.
Budesonide in the inhalation form is used to prevent asthma attacks. However it cannot treat an asthma attack which has already started. This medication may also be used for treatment of other conditions not listed in this guide.

Important Information about Budesonide

Remember not to use budesonide inhalation medicine to treat an asthma attack that has already started. It will not be efficient and fast enough to relieve you from the attack. In that case, use only a rapid action inhalation medication.
Tell your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not subside even after using budesonide inhalation medicine for 2 weeks. Any need for an increased amount of medication may signal an impending asthma attack. Call your doctor or go see him or her immediately in that case. 
If you are also taking an oral steroidal medication, don’t stop using it suddenly otherwise it may lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor about gradually reducing oral steroid dosages. 
Budesonide falls into FDA pregnancy category B which means that budesonide is not expected to be harmful to your unborn baby. However, ask your doctor about safe use of budesonide during pregnancy or if you are planning to get pregnant. This medication can also pass into breast milk and harm your nursing baby. Consult your doctor about it and don’t take the medication without his or her advice.
Budesonide is not recommended in children below 6 years of age strictly without doctor’s advice. This medication can affect child growth. Monitor your child’s growth while giving budesonide to him or her and tell your doctor if you see any abnormalities.
Using steroidal medication for a long time may lead to osteoporosis, especially if you smoke, don’t exercise, have vitamin D or calcium deficiency, or if your family members have had osteoporosis. Consult your doctor and ask him or her about the risks of osteoporosis.
Budesonide is a steroid which can compromise your immunity by reducing the count of blood cells in your body. Avoid contact with sick people and places where chances of infection are high while taking this medication.

Before using Budesonide

Don’t take budesonide medication if you are allergic to budesonide, or if you are already suffering from an acute asthma attack.
You must also take precaution and ask your doctor if it is safe to use budesonide in spite of having these conditions: liver disease; herpes simplex in eyes; osteoporosis (porous bones); a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection; or tuberculosis in the past.

How should I take Budesonide Medication?

Use budesonide medication strictly as prescribed by your doctor. Don’t change the course or dosage in any way. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer it for complete details. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubt.
Budosenide can be taken in different forms, through inhaler (respules, rotacaps), nasal spray, or oral tablets. Follow the directions of your doctor or the medication labels which are easily explained. To reduce the risk of getting a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse your mouth properly with water after budesonide inhalation.
In case of nasal sprays, the usual dose is 1 to 4 sprays into each nostril once daily or as directed by your doctor. Shake medicine bottle well before each use. Remember to keep all medical dispenser and pumps clean. Follow the cleaning instructions which come with the medications.
Keep using Budesonide medication regularly as prescribed. It may take up to 2 weeks before your condition improves. Contact your doctor if the original condition persists even beyond 2 weeks. Store budesonide medication in a cool and dry place. Ensure that your children or pets don’t get access to any medications.

What happens if I miss a dose of Budesonide?

Don’t ever miss a budesonide dose but if you skip a dose due to uncontrollable reasons, take the skipped dose as soon as your remember. Don’t take the skipped dose if it is already time for the next dose.

What happens if I overdose?
If you have taken an overdose of budesonide, get emergency medical attention if the effects are serious although budesonide overdose is not expected to cause any serious life threatening overdose effects. However, using high doses of steroids for longer periods can result in harmful health effects like skin thinning, easy bruising, fat deposition changes, increased hair or acne on face, irregular or missed menstrual periods, impotence, or decreased libido.

What should I avoid while using Budesonide medication?

As budesonide medication causes decrease in white blood cells and thereby impacting your immune power, avoid contact with sick people or being at places where chances of catching an illness is high like in hospital.

Budesonide Side Effects

Budesonide may or may not have side effects associate with it. Many people don’t show any side effects or allergic reactions after using budesonide medication. But your case may be different. If you get any allergic reactions like hives, breathing difficulty, swelling in face, mouth, lips, or tongue, contact your doctor immediately.
You should also call your doctor or seek emergency medical help in case of these rare but serious side effects: deteriorating respiratory conditions; ear pain with fever; wheezing; tiredness; weakness; vomiting; feeling like you may faint; difficulty in vision; fat deposition changes in your body.
There are also some less serious but common side effects of budesonide like white marks or sores in mouth or on lips, headache, bleeding in nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, or nausea.
The side effects mentioned above are non exhaustive and there may be other side effects. 

Interaction with other drugs

Some drugs may interact with budesonide medication like anti retrovirals (nelfinavir, ritonavir); certain antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin); antifungals (itraconazole or ketoconazole).
The above list is not a complete one and there may be other interactions. Always tell your doctor about any medications which you may be using at present including prescription, OTC or herbal medications. Don’t start a new drug without medical advice.