Budesonide

Budesonide is a steroid. Depending on the form, it treats asthma, hay fever, or inflammation in the bowel such as Crohn's disease and microscopic colitis.

Type of medicine

Corticosteroid

Also known as

Pulmicort, Rhinocort, Entocort, Budenofalk, Cortiment, Jorveza

Comes as

inhalers, nebuliser liquid, nasal spray, capsules, tablets, foam and enemas

How you get it

Prescription only

What it is used for

Preventing asthma symptoms (inhaler or nebuliser)
Croup in children (nebuliser)
Hay fever and nasal polyps (nasal spray)
Crohn's disease affecting the end of the small bowel (capsules)
Microscopic colitis and ulcerative colitis (capsules, tablets, foam or enemas)
Eosinophilic oesophagitis (dissolving tablets)
Autoimmune hepatitis

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Budesonide is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation where it is applied. When swallowed, most of it is broken down by the liver before it reaches the rest of the body, so it causes fewer whole-body side effects than steroids such as prednisolone.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Budesonide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

hoarse voice or sore throat (inhaler)
oral thrush
nosebleeds (nasal spray)
indigestion
headache
trouble sleeping
mood changes (capsules and tablets)

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

wheezing that gets worse straight after using the inhaler
changes in your eyesight
signs of infection, such as a high temperature, or chickenpox or shingles if you have not had it before

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

Rinse your mouth after using the inhaler.
If you take budesonide tablets or capsules, tell your doctor if you have not had chickenpox and you come into contact with someone who has it.
You may be given a steroid card. Carry it with you.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.