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Budesonide

Budesonide reduces inflammation in the airways or nose. Inhalers and nasal sprays have different targets and instructions and are not interchangeable.

Symbicort

Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

160/4.5mcg

Budesonide with formoterol 160/4.5mcg as an inhalation powder, used for asthma and COPD. A corticosteroid for the swelling, an agonist for the airway.

From$46.75/ inhalerView

Pulmicort

Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

100 · 200mcg

Budesonide 100mcg and 200mcg, as inhalation powder and nebuliser suspension, used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

From$45.05/ inhalerView

Rhinocort

Allergic Rhinitis, Nasal Polyps

100mcg

Budesonide 100mcg nasal spray solution, used in the management of allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps. A glucocorticoid applied inside the nose.

From$41.81/ inhalerView

Budecort

Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

100mcg

Budecort is budesonide 100mcg as an inhalation powder for asthma and COPD. An inhaled corticosteroid with strong anti-inflammatory action in the airways.

From$35.02/ inhalerView

Rhinocort Nasal Spray

Allergic Rhinitis

64mcg

Rhinocort Nasal Spray is budesonide at 64mcg per spray for allergic rhinitis, a glucocorticoid with strong local action and little beyond it.

From$19.04/ sprayView

Key points

  • Inhaled budesonide is a controller treatment and does not replace a fast-acting reliever during an acute asthma attack.
  • Correct technique, regular use and mouth or nasal care reduce local adverse effects.
  • Severe breathlessness, inability to speak normally or poor response to the prescribed reliever plan needs emergency care.

Listings are for comparison only. Suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks, stock, destination rules and prescription requirements.

What Budesonide is used for

Inhaled forms may be used for asthma or selected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease regimens. Nasal forms may be used for allergic rhinitis or nasal polyps.

Important form differences

Inhalers deliver medicine to the lower airways; nasal sprays treat nasal tissue. Device technique, strength and combination ingredients must be checked for the individual product.

Important safety checks

Rinse and spit after inhalation to reduce oral thrush. Nasal irritation or bleeding, infection exposure, other corticosteroids and strong CYP3A inhibitors require review. Long-term treatment can have systemic steroid effects and should not be stopped abruptly without advice.

When to seek urgent care

Follow the respiratory action plan and seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue-grey lips or skin, marked drowsiness, inability to speak normally or poor response to the prescribed reliever.

Further reading

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