Budesonide (budesonide)

Budesonide is a synthetic, non-halogenated corticosteroid that has potent glucocorticoid and weak mineralocorticoid activity.

Budesonide is a synthetic, nonhalogenated corticosteroid. Budesonide has high glucocorticoid and weak mineralocorticoid activity. For further information on the pharmacology of corticosteroids,see Pharmacology in the Corticosteroids General Statement 68:04.

The exact mechanism(s) of action of corticosteroids in allergic rhinitis remains unknown, but may involve reductions in the following: number of mediator cells (basophils, eosinophils, T-helper cells, mast cells, and neutrophils) in the nasal mucosa, nasal reactivity to allergens, and release of inflammatory mediators and proteolytic enzymes. (See Pharmacology, in Fluticasone Propionate 52:08.08.)

When budesonide is administered intranasally, approximately 34% of a dose reaches systemic circulation. Mean peak plasma budesonide concentrations are achieved in about 0.7 hours.

Following administration of budesonide nasal spray at a dosage of 256 mcg daily for 7 days in healthy individuals, a small, but statistically significant reduction in the area under the plasma cortisol concentration-time curve (AUC0-24 hours) has been observed. A dose-related suppression of the HPA response was observed in patients receiving budesonide nasal spray at dosages ranging from 100-800 mcg daily for up to 4 days. However, in a 4-week clinical trial in adult patients receiving budesonide nasal spray at a dosage of 256 mcg daily, no significant differences in plasma cortisol concentrations, compared with placebo, were observed when measured before and 60 minutes after IM administration of a 0.25-mg dose of cosyntropin.

Budesonide is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4; the 2 main metabolites have less than 1% of affinity for glucocorticoid receptors than the parent compound. Budesonide is excreted in urine and feces as metabolites.

USES: Budesonide is used to prevent and treat seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms (such as stuffy/runny nose, itchy eyes/nose/throat, sneezing). Budesonide belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the nasal passages.

Generic name: budesonide
Pronunciation: (bue-DES-oh-nide)

The following indications are listed for Budesonide:

• Allergic Rhinitis
• Allergic Rhinitis Prevention
• Chronic Non-Allergic Rhinitis
• Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Also known as: Allergic Rhinitis Prophylaxis, Atopic Rhinitis, Chronic Nonallergic Rhinitis, Non-Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis.

No ICD codes are available for this drug.