Budicort ER

Adult : One 9 mg Budesonide extend release tablet should be taken once daily in the morning with or without food for up to 8 weeks or as prescribed by the doctor. Use in children : Safety and effectiveness of budesonide in pediatric patients have not been established. Use in Hepatic Impaired patients : Monitor patients for signs and/or symptoms of hypercorticism.

Budesonide is a synthetic corticosteroid having potent glucocorticoid activity and weak mineralocorticoid activity. It has approximately 200-fold higher affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor than cortisol and 15-fold than prednisolone. Budesonide is effective against inflammatory bowel diseases. It reduces inflammation of colon and also helps heal the lining of the colon.

Common side effects are headache, nausea, upper abdominal pain, fatigue, acne, flatulence, joint pain, urinary tract infection, abdominal distension, constipation.

Since budesonide is a glucocorticoid, general warnings concerning glucocorticoids should be followed. Risk of impaired adrenal function when transferring from glucocorticoid treatment with higher systemic effects to glucocorticoid treatment with lower systemic effects, such as budesonide. Taper patients slowly from systemic corticosteroids if transferring to budesonide. Potential worsening of infections (e.g., chickenpox, measles, existing tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection). Use with caution in patients with these infections. Reduced liver function affects the elimination of glucocorticoid, and increases systemic availability of oral budesonide.

Avoid Cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, grapefruit juice). It may cause increased systemic corticosteroid effects. Budesonide does not affect the plasma levels of oral contraceptives.