Budesonide 1mg/2ml Respules 2ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication safely and effectively, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. This medication is for inhalation only, using a special machine called a nebulizer, which delivers the liquid solution directly into your lungs.
Do not swallow this medication.
Do not mix any other medications in the nebulizer.
Gently shake the nebulizer before each use.
If you are using a face mask, wash your face after each dose.
Continue using this medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better.
After each use, rinse your mouth with water, but do not swallow the water. Instead, spit it out.
Using Multiple Inhaled Medications
If you are taking more than one inhaled medication, consult your doctor to determine the best order for taking your medications.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the medication upright at room temperature.
Do not freeze the medication.
* Protect the medication from light.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Use regularly as prescribed, even when feeling well, to prevent asthma symptoms.
- Do not use for sudden asthma attacks; use your rescue inhaler for those.
- Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each use to prevent oral thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth).
- Clean your nebulizer equipment regularly as instructed.
- Avoid triggers that worsen your asthma (e.g., smoke, allergens).
- Maintain good hydration.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Budesonide 1mg/2ml Respules 2ml
- Budesonide 0.25mg/2ml Vials 2ml
- Budesonide 32mcg Nas Spray (120)otc
- Budesonide 0.5mg/2ml Vials 2ml
- Budesonide 0.25mg/2ml Vials 2ml
- Budesonide 0.5mg/2ml Vials 2ml
- Budesonide ER 9mg Tablets
- Budesonide ER 9mg Tablets
- Budesonide 1mg/2ml Respules 2ml
- Budesonide 3mg DR Capsules
- Budesonide 0.5mg/2ml Vials 2ml
- Budesonide 2mg/act Rectal Foam
- Budesonide 0.5mg/2ml Vials, 2ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of infection, including:
+ Fever
+ Chills
+ Severe sore throat
+ Ear or sinus pain
+ Cough
+ Increased or changed sputum production
+ Painful urination
+ Mouth sores
+ Wounds that won't heal
Signs of adrenal gland problems, such as:
+ Severe stomach upset or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Muscle weakness
+ Extreme fatigue
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome, including:
+ Weight gain in the upper back or abdomen
+ Moon face
+ Severe headache
+ Slow wound healing
Chest pain
Anxiety
Severe diarrhea
Severe stomach pain, upset stomach, or vomiting
Decreased appetite
Severe headache
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Bone or joint pain
Changes in vision
Redness or white patches in the mouth or throat
Abnormal burning, numbness, or tingling sensations
Respiratory Emergency
This medication can cause severe breathing problems, which may be life-threatening. If you experience trouble breathing, worsening breathing, wheezing, or coughing after taking this medication, use a rescue inhaler and seek immediate medical attention.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help if they bother you or persist:
Signs of a common cold
Nose or throat irritation
Upset stomach
Cough
Nosebleed
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Worsening asthma symptoms (e.g., increased wheezing, shortness of breath, cough)
- Signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, increased mucus production, white patches in mouth)
- Severe allergic reaction (e.g., rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing)
- Symptoms of adrenal suppression (e.g., extreme tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. This medication may interact with other drugs or exacerbate certain health problems.
To ensure safe use, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Natural products and vitamins you are using
Any health problems you have
Before making any changes to your medication regimen, consult with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to:
Start taking this medication
Stop taking this medication
Change the dosage of this medication or any other medication you are taking
Precautions & Cautions
While using this drug, you may be more susceptible to infections. To minimize this risk, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoid close contact with individuals who have infections, colds, or flu.
If you experience a worsening of your breathing problems, or if your rescue inhaler becomes less effective or is needed more often, contact your doctor immediately.
When transitioning from an oral steroid to a different form of steroid, there is a risk of severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. Be aware of symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or low blood sugar, and seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of these.
In situations involving severe injury, surgery, or infection, you may require additional doses of oral steroids to help your body cope with the stress. Carry a warning card indicating that you may need extra steroids in such situations.
If you have been taking this medication for an extended period, consult your doctor before stopping or reducing the dosage, as you may need to taper off the drug gradually.
Be cautious of exposure to chickenpox or measles, as these infections can be severe or even fatal in individuals taking steroid medications like this one. Avoid contact with anyone who has chickenpox or measles if you have not previously had these illnesses. If you have been exposed, consult your doctor.
Long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of osteoporosis (weak bones). Discuss your risk factors with your doctor and follow their recommendations for bone density testing.
Prolonged use may also raise the risk of cataracts or glaucoma. Regularly schedule eye exams and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more prone to side effects.
In children and adolescents, this drug may affect growth in some cases. Regular growth checks may be necessary, so consult your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Symptoms of acute overdose are unlikely due to the low systemic absorption. Chronic overdose may lead to signs of hypercorticism (Cushing's syndrome) such as moon face, central obesity, thinning skin, easy bruising, muscle weakness, and adrenal suppression.
What to Do:
In case of suspected overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the US). Management is supportive and symptomatic. Gradual withdrawal of the drug may be necessary if chronic overdose has led to adrenal suppression.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, cobicistat)
Moderate Interactions
- Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, diltiazem)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline lung function and assess disease severity.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To monitor for potential systemic corticosteroid effects on growth velocity.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To assess for adrenal suppression and guide tapering of systemic steroids.
Timing: Prior to initiation and during transition.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months or as clinically indicated)
Target: Improvement in FEV1, FVC, or PEF towards patient's personal best or predicted values.
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening of lung function may indicate inadequate control or need for dose adjustment.
Frequency: Annually
Target: Normal growth velocity for age.
Action Threshold: Significant reduction in growth velocity may warrant re-evaluation of therapy or dose reduction.
Frequency: Regularly (e.g., at follow-up visits)
Target: Absence of Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, bone density changes, cataracts, or glaucoma.
Action Threshold: Presence of such signs/symptoms may require dose adjustment or specialist referral.
Symptom Monitoring
- Worsening asthma symptoms (e.g., increased wheezing, shortness of breath, cough)
- Increased frequency of rescue inhaler use
- Signs of oral candidiasis (white patches in mouth or throat)
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, increased sputum)
- Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness)
- Blurred vision or eye pain (potential for cataracts/glaucoma)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Budesonide is generally considered one of the preferred inhaled corticosteroids for asthma management during pregnancy due to its low systemic absorption and extensive experience with its use. It is classified as Pregnancy Category B (older system), indicating no evidence of risk in animal studies and no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, but human data suggest low risk.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Budesonide is considered compatible with breastfeeding. It is excreted into breast milk in very small amounts, and systemic effects on the infant are unlikely due to the low oral bioavailability of budesonide.
Pediatric Use
Budesonide inhalation suspension is commonly used in pediatric patients, including infants as young as 12 months, for asthma maintenance. Close monitoring of growth velocity is recommended due to the potential for systemic corticosteroid effects, although typically minimal with inhaled forms. Adrenal function should be monitored, especially if transitioning from oral corticosteroids.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments are typically required for geriatric patients. However, older patients may be more susceptible to systemic corticosteroid effects (e.g., bone density loss, cataracts, glaucoma), so monitoring for these effects is prudent.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Budesonide inhalation suspension is a maintenance medication for asthma and should be used regularly, not for acute asthma attacks. Patients should always have a rescue inhaler (e.g., albuterol) available.
- Proper nebulizer technique is crucial for effective drug delivery. Patients/caregivers should be thoroughly instructed.
- Rinsing the mouth and gargling with water (and spitting it out) after each use helps prevent oral candidiasis (thrush).
- Monitor pediatric patients' growth velocity annually, as inhaled corticosteroids can rarely cause a small, reversible reduction in growth rate.
- Patients transitioning from systemic corticosteroids to inhaled budesonide should be carefully monitored for signs of adrenal insufficiency, and systemic steroids should be tapered gradually.
Alternative Therapies
- Other inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone propionate, mometasone furoate, ciclesonide, beclomethasone dipropionate)
- Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) - often used in combination with ICS for better control
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast)
- Mast cell stabilizers (e.g., cromolyn)
- Biologic therapies (e.g., omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab) for severe asthma