Budesonide
Budesonide is a steroid (inhaled) found in 4 medicines sold in India, such as Budecort, Foracort, Budamate 200. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
Reduces inflammation in the airways to prevent asthma and COPD symptoms.
How it works
An inhaled steroid that calms inflammation in the airways. Used every day, it prevents asthma attacks and COPD flares. It does not relieve symptoms quickly.
How to take it
Use every day as prescribed, even when well, usually twice daily. Rinse your mouth and spit after each dose to prevent thrush and hoarseness.
Common side effects
- Hoarse voice
- Sore throat
- Oral thrush (white patches)
- Cough
Get medical help straight away if
- White patches in the mouth that do not clear
- Signs of chest infection
- Eyesight changes (with long high-dose use)
Be careful
Rinse your mouth after each use to prevent thrush.
Other medicines and interactions
Itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir and clarithromycin can raise its level in the body.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Budesonide is the preferred inhaled steroid in pregnancy. Safe to use while breastfeeding.
Brands of Budesonide (1)
Combination medicines that contain Budesonide (3)
Common questions
What is Budesonide used for?
Reduces inflammation in the airways to prevent asthma and COPD symptoms.
How does Budesonide work?
An inhaled steroid that calms inflammation in the airways. Used every day, it prevents asthma attacks and COPD flares. It does not relieve symptoms quickly.
How should I take Budesonide?
Use every day as prescribed, even when well, usually twice daily. Rinse your mouth and spit after each dose to prevent thrush and hoarseness.
What are the side effects of Budesonide?
Common: Hoarse voice, sore throat, oral thrush (white patches), cough. Get help straight away for: White patches in the mouth that do not clear, signs of chest infection, eyesight changes (with long high-dose use).
Does Budesonide interact with other medicines?
Itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir and clarithromycin can raise its level in the body.
Is Budesonide safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Budesonide is the preferred inhaled steroid in pregnancy. Safe to use while breastfeeding.
Does Budesonide need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Budesonide?
Budamate 200, Budecort, Foracort, Symbicort.
Sources and further reading
- Budesonide: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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