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Budesonide

Brand names: Pulmicort (inhaler and nebulizer), Entocort EC, Uceris, Rhinocort

Budesonide is a steroid that works mainly where it's delivered: in the lungs for asthma, the gut for Crohn's and colitis, or the nose for allergies.

Brand namesPulmicort (inhaler and nebulizer), Entocort EC, Uceris, Rhinocort
Type of medicineCorticosteroid (steroid)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

Because little reaches the rest of the body, it causes fewer body-wide steroid side effects.

What it's used for

  • Asthma (inhaler or nebulizer, including young children)
  • Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (capsules and tablets)
  • Nasal allergies (spray)
  • Croup (nebulizer, in clinics)

How to take it

  • Inhaled: use daily as a controller; rinse your mouth after.
  • Capsules: swallow whole in the morning.
  • Nasal: use daily for best effect.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Hoarse voice or thrush (inhaled)
  • Headache
  • Nausea (capsules)
  • Nosebleeds (nasal)
Call 911Breathing gets worse right after inhaling
Call your provider todayFever or signs of infection
Call your provider todayVision changes

Warnings

  • Long use can still affect bones and growth; your provider uses the lowest dose that works.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Ketoconazole, ritonavir, and grapefruit juice raise its level.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Inhaled budesonide is a preferred asthma steroid in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.