What Is Budesonide Used For?

Budesonide is a prescription medication classified as a steroid. It works by decreasing inflammation in the body. It can be taken orally or via inhalation through an inhaler, nebulizer or nasal spray. It is used primarily to treat three different conditions including adult Crohn's disease, asthma and allergies.

Facts

• Budesonide is the generic name of the anti-inflammatory medication. Different forms of the medication are manufactured and may be known by their brand name. Each form treats a specific disease. For instance, the oral form of budesonide is used for Crohn's disease, the inhaled form is used for asthma and the nasal spray is prescribed for allergies.

Crohn's Disease

• Crohn's disease is a chronic bowel disease which causes stomach cramps and diarrhea. Budesonide in a capsule form is used to treat mild or moderate Crohn's disease. It is usually prescribed in a 3-milligram capsule, taken three times a day, for eight weeks. It helps reduce inflammation in the intestine, which relieves symptoms. Side effects can include fatigue, headache and dizziness. According to the Physicians Desktop Reference (PDR) grapefruit juice can increase the medication levels in the bloodstream, and should be avoided when taking budesonide orally.

Asthma

• Another use of budesonide is to treat asthma, which is a chronic lung condition. It can be taken by children and adults and works by reducing inflammation in the lungs. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. It may either be taken in a powder form through a metered dose inhaler or through a nebulizer, using the liquid form of the medication. Side effects may include mild coughing and sore throat. It's essential to understand that budesonide does not treat symptoms of an asthma attack, such as wheezing and shortness of breath once they start. It is a preventive medication.

Allergies

• Budesonide is also available in a nasal spray. It is used to treat symptoms of allergies such as congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages. It is intended for adults and children over the age of 6. The decrease in inflammation helps air move in and out of the nasal passages easier. Budesonide in the form of a nasal spray may also be prescribed to prevent nasal polyps. Side effects may include a sore throat and nasal irritation.

Considerations

• Although the inhaled form of budesonide is approved for both children and adults, the pill form is only approved for adults. Since budesonide is a steroid, all forms of the medication can lower a person's ability to fight infection. Each form of the medication is classified as a category C medication for pregnancy. This means there are not conclusive studies on pregnant women to determine the effects of the medication on a fetus.