Budesonide

Budesonide: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive steroid.

Uses of Budesonide

• Use in the treatment of chronic enteropathy as a potent corticosteroid .
• Use in the treatment dogs with inflammatory bowel disease. 
• Inhaled formulations are used in humans for asthma or allergic rhinitis.
• The use of inhaled budesonide has been reported in cats with the bronchial disease.

Dose of Budesonide in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• Intestinal diseases: dose based on body size ranging from 1 mg/ day p.o. q24h for small dogs to 3 mg/day p.o. q12–24h for large/ giant dogs. The total dose should probably not exceed 3 mg p.o. q12h.

• Inhaled: no information available.

Cats:

• Intestinal diseases: Total oral dose should probably not exceed 1 mg p.o. q8h.

• Inhaled: 400 µg (micrograms) q12h reported.

Side Effects of Budesonide in Dogs and Cats

• Signs of iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism (hair loss, muscle wastage, increases in liver enzymes, hepatomegaly, lethargy, polyphagia and polyuria/ polydipsia) may develop.
• Adrenal suppression has been documented in dogs and cats and iatrogenic hypocortisolaemia is a potential risk if budesonide is withdrawn rapidly following prolonged use.

Contraindications of Budesonide in Dogs and Cats

• Intestinal perforation; severe hepatic impairment.

Some Notes:

• Additive effect if given with other corticosteroids.
• The metabolism of corticosteroids may be decreased by antifungals.
• Avoid using with erythromycin, cimetidine, itraconazole and other drugs that inhibit the liver enzymes that metabolize budesonide.
• The dissolution of the drug’s enteric coating depends on pH, therefore do not administer at the same time as oral antacids.