Budesonide is used to treat symptoms of stuffiness and runny nose due to allergies. It is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids (cortisone-like drugs).
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Budesonide comes as an aerosol nasal spray to be sprayed in the nose. Budesonide is usually used once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use budesonide exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Budesonide treats symptoms in your nose; you may need other drugs if you have other allergy symptoms. Do not stop taking budesonide without talking to your doctor.
Do not use budesonide if you have recently had a sinus infection, nasal bleeding, or surgery inside your nose.
If you have recently stopped taking a corticosteroid drug by mouth, tell your doctor if you have joint pain, muscle pain, depression, or tiredness. These symptoms may mean that you have too little corticosteroid in your body.
Blow your nose.
Open the canister by turning the arrow.
Shake the canister well, both before and between sprays.
Plug one nostril and place the end of the inhaler in the other nostril. Hold your breath and squeeze down on the canister to release the drug into your nose. If your doctor prescribes a second spray, repeat these steps with the inhaler in the other nostril.
Close the canister.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.
nose irritation or burning
bleeding or sores in the nose
lightheadedness
upset stomach
cough
hoarseness
dry mouth
difficulty breathing
white patches in the throat, mouth, or nose
irregular menstrual periods
severe acne
swelling of the face
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Shake well before each use. After opening the aluminum pouch, use budesonide within 6 months. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. Do not throw the container into an incinerator or store near heat or an open flame.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to budesonide.
Clean the nasal spray container regularly. Wash the plastic parts in very warm water with a mild soap. The plastic part can be reused with refills of your medication.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.