Budesonide
Also known as: Entocort EC, Pulmicort, Rhinocort, Benacort, Budelin, Budenofalk, Cortiment, Entocort
> **Important**: Do not crush or allow your pet to chew the enteric-coated capsules. The special coating must remain intact to deliver the medication directly to the intestines. * **Administration**: Can be given with or without food. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, giving it with food may help. * **Side Effects**: While much less common than with standard systemic steroids (like prednisone), watch for increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, or excessive panting. * **Stress and Surgery**: Because this drug can suppress the body's natural stress response, inform your veterinarian that your pet is taking budesonide before any surgery, dental procedure, or major stressful event. They may need a temporary dose of a different steroid to help them cope with the stress. * **Compounding**: Because human capsules are often too large for small pets, your veterinarian may have this medication specially compounded at a pharmacy to ensure accurate dosing.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (Clinical Pearl)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (Clinical Pearl)
- Feline Asthma (Clinical Pearl)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Steroid hepatopathy
- HPA-axis suppression
- Hyperadrenocorticism (rare, but risk increases with hepatic dysfunction)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to budesonide
- Patients with active GI ulcers
- Active systemic infections
- Diabetes mellitus
- Cataracts
- Use with caution in patients with moderate to severe hepatic dysfunction, as they are more likely to develop signs of hypercorticism. Because budesonide suppresses the HPA-axis, animals undergoing stressful procedures (such as surgery) should be considered for exogenous systemic steroid administration. FDA Category C for pregnancy; demonstrated to be embryocidal and teratogenic in rats and rabbits.
Drug interactions
- CYP3A Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin): May decrease the hepatic metabolism of budesonide, leading to increased systemic blood levels and a higher risk of glucocorticoid adverse effects.
- Antacids, H2-blockers, Proton Pump Inhibitors: May increase gastric pH, potentially causing premature dissolution of the enteric coating and reducing the drug's targeted efficacy in the intestines.
- Ketoconazole: Inhibits CYP3A4, significantly increasing systemic budesonide levels and risk of toxicity
- Itraconazole: Inhibits CYP3A4, increasing systemic budesonide levels
- Erythromycin: Inhibits CYP3A4, potentially increasing budesonide levels
- NSAIDs (e.g., Meloxicam, Carprofen): Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding
Frequently asked questions
What is Budesonide used for in pets?
> **Important**: Do not crush or allow your pet to chew the enteric-coated capsules. The special coating must remain intact to deliver the medication directly to the intestines. * **Administration**: Can be given with or without food. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, giving it with food may help. * **Side Effects**: While much less common than with standard systemic steroids (like prednisone), watch for increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, or excessive panting. * **Stress and Surgery**: Because this drug can suppress the body's natural stress response, inform your veterinarian that your pet is taking budesonide before any surgery, dental procedure, or major stressful event. They may need a temporary dose of a different steroid to help them cope with the stress. * **Compounding**: Because human capsules are often too large for small pets, your veterinarian may have this medication specially compounded at a pharmacy to ensure accurate dosing.
Is Budesonide safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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