Budesonide: Uses, How to Take It, and Side Effects
Budesonide is a corticosteroid medicine available in inhaled, nasal, oral, and rectal forms. It is used to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms in conditions such as asthma, nasal allergies, eosinophilic esophagitis, and certain inflammatory bowel diseases.
Budesonide works by reducing inflammation, but the correct form and schedule depend on the condition being treated. Use it exactly as prescribed and ask a doctor or pharmacist before changing how you take it.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R03BA02
- Generic
- Budesonide
- Class
- inhaled-corticosteroid
- Brands
- Pulmicort, Symbicort
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 3
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- inhaled, oral
- Forms
- inhaler, capsule
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- oral-candidiasis
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 200-800 mcg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 100-200 mcg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 200-400 mcg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; inhaled form preferred over oral
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimestermaintain lowest effective dose
continue use for asthma control as uncontrolled asthma poses greater risk to fetus
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
budesonide is considered compatible with breastfeeding; minimal infant exposure expected with inhaled use
no specific monitoring required
geriatric
elderly 65no dosage adjustment required
use standard dosing; monitor for local side effects such as oral candidiasis
regular assessment of inhaler technique
pediatric_age
children 5 11approved for use in children 6 years and older for asthma; use appropriate inhaler device
monitor growth velocity with long-term use
pediatric_age
infants toddlersnot recommended for children under 6
use only if benefits outweigh risks; limited data available for children under 6
close monitoring of growth and development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required; drug is primarily metabolized and excreted hepatically
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required for inhaled formulation
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
no significant dosage adjustment required for mild impairment
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderate severeconsider dose reduction
use with caution; drug is metabolized by CYP3A4 in liver; monitor for increased systemic exposure
monitor for signs of hypercorticism
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
glucocorticoid class of steroids
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval for Budesonide
Primary indications
Main therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Molecular mechanism of action
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy