Budesonide

Brand/Trade Names: Rhinocort (nasal spray), Pulmicort (oral inhalation), Entocort (enema and a modified-release capsule)

Description: Budesonide is a synthetic corticosteroid indicated for the management of asthma, the treatment of various skin disorders, and allergic rhinitis, the treatment of mild to moderate active Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or the ascending colon. Budesonide is used in Crohn’s disease to decrease the symptoms and inflammation associated with the disease, especially at times of flare up. Budesonide has a high topical glucocorticosteroid (GCS) activity and a substantial first pass elimination. The formulation contains granules which are coated to protect dissolution in gastric juice, but which dissolve at pH >5.5, ie, normally when the granules reach the duodenum. Thereafter, a matrix of ethylcellulose with budesonide controls the release of the drug into the intestinal lumen in a time-dependent manner.
The exact mechanism of action of budesonide in the treatment of Crohn’s disease is not fully understood. However, being a glucocorticosteroid, budesonide has a high local anti-inflammatory effect.
Available as a capsule (sustained-release), metered-dose (aerosol) and suspension.

Uses: Budesonide is a synthetic corticosteroid indicated for the management of asthma, the treatment of various skin disorders, and allergic rhinitis, the treatment of mild to moderate active Crohn’s disease.
Nasal spray is indicated for the management of nasal symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children six years of age and older.

Budesonide Structural Formula


Additional Information Data And Resources:
Rhinocort Aqua Prescribing Information