Budesonide (Systemic, Oral Inhalation)

Class: Adrenals
VA Class: NT200
Chemical Name: [11β,16α(R)]-16,17-Butylidene-bis(oxy)-11,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione and 16α,17-[(S)-butylidinebis(oxy)]-11β,21-dihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione
Molecular Formula: C₂₅H₃₄O₆
CAS Number: 51333-22-3
Brands: Entocort EC, Pulmicort

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 9, 2021. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Synthetic, non-halogenated corticosteroid; potent glucocorticoid and weak mineralocorticoid activity.

Uses for Budesonide (Systemic, Oral Inhalation)

Crohn’s Disease

Used orally for the management of an active episode of mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or ascending colon and for maintenance of clinical remission for up to 3 months in this condition.

Has been used for the management of mild to moderately active Crohn’s disease† in a limited number of children 9.5–18 years of age.

Asthma

Long-term prevention of bronchospasm in patients with asthma.

In corticosteroid-dependent patients, may permit a substantial reduction in daily maintenance dosage of systemic corticosteroid and gradual discontinuance of corticosteroid maintenance dosages.

Used in fixed combination with formoterol in asthmatic patients whose disease is inadequately controlled with other anti-asthma controller therapy (e.g., low-to-medium dosages of inhaled corticosteroids) or whose disease severity warrants treatment with 2 maintenance therapies.

Fixed combination with formoterol should not be used in patients whose asthma can be successfully managed with inhaled corticosteroids and occasional use of inhaled short-acting β₂-adrenergic agonists. (See Serious Asthma-related Events under Cautions.)

Use fixed combination with formoterol for shortest duration required to achieve asthma control. Assess patient at regular intervals and step down therapy (e.g., discontinue budesonide/formoterol), if possible without loss ...