What is budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy),
and how does it work?
- Budesonide is a synthetic steroid belonging to the glucocorticoid family, a family in which cortisol (hydrocortisone) is the naturally occurring steroid.
- Hydrocortisone is produced in the adrenal glands.
- Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions.
- When used as a nasal inhaler or spray, budesonide travels directly to the lining of the nose, and only 20% of the administered dose is absorbed into the body.
What brand names are available for budesonide?
- Brand names available for budesonide in the US include:
- Rhinocort Aqua
- Rhinocort Allergy
- Rhinocort is a discontinued brand for budesonide in the US.
Is budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy) available as a generic drug?
- No
Do I need a prescription for budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy)?
- Yes, OTC (Rhinocort Allergy)
What are the uses for budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy)?
- Budesonide is used for the management of symptoms of allergic rhinitis, a condition in which fluid accumulates within the lining of the nose leading to obstruction to the flow of air. Fluid also is released into the nasal passages.
- In addition, budesonide is used for the treatment and prevention of nasal polyps.
What are the side effects of budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy)?
The most common side effects associated with nasal budesonide are:
- Nasal irritation
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Bronchospasm
- Nasal bleeding
Other side effects include:
- Upper respiratory infections
- Serious allergic reactions
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Growth suppression
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What is the dosage for budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy)?
- In adults and in children over the age of 6 years, the recommended starting dose of budesonide is 1 spray in each nostril once daily.
- The maximum dose for children older than 12 years of age and adults is 4 sprays per nostril once daily.
- The maximum dose for children younger than 12 years of age is 2 sprays per nostril once daily.
Which drugs or supplements interact with budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy)?
The following drugs increase the concentration in blood of budesonide by decreasing the elimination of budesonide from the body. This may lead to an increase in the side effects of budesonide.
- ketoconazole (Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric),
- itraconazole (Sporanox),
- ritonavir (Norvir),
- atazanavir (Reyataz),
- clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL),
- indinavir (Crixivan), and
- telithromycin.
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Is budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy) safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- When given orally to animals, glucocorticoid steroids similar to budesonide have been shown to cause fetal abnormalities. Studies of pregnant women using inhaled budesonide during early pregnancy do not show an increase in the rate of fetal abnormalities. Nevertheless, since these studies cannot completely exclude rare abnormalities, budesonide should only be used during pregnancy if it clearly is needed.
- Budesonide is secreted in breast milk at concentrations of 0.3% to 1% of the inhaled dose. Budesonide should only be used by breastfeeding mothers when clearly needed, and the lowest effective dose and other strategies to reduce infant exposure should be used.
What else should I know about budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy)?
What preparations of budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy) are available?
- Nasal Spray: 32 mcg/spray
How should I keep budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy) stored?
- Budesonide should be kept at room temperature, 15 C-30 C (59 F-86 F). It should be shaken well before each use.
When was budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy) approved by the FDA?
- Intranasal budesonide was approved by the FDA in 1994.