Brand Name(s): Entocort EC, Uceris, Pulmicort, Rhinocort
Generic Name: Budesonide
For: Cats and Dogs
What is budesonide?
Budesonide is a systemic glucocorticoid (steroid) used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs and cats, especially when other steroids are ineffective, or the pet cannot tolerate steroids. It may also be used to treat sinus inflammation or asthma.
How do I give my pet this medication?
Budesonide is typically given by mouth in the form of a capsule or tablet or administered as a nasal spray or inhalant. Do not open or crush the capsule or allow your pet to chew the capsule. You can also obtain a customized formulation of this medication in dosage forms such as an oral suspension or transdermal gel. Do not stop this drug abruptly unless instructed by your veterinarian. If your pet vomits or acts sick after receiving the medication, give it with food. This medication will take a few days to have effects, although these effects may not be visibly obvious.
Cautions
Budesonide should be avoided in pets that are allergic to the medication. It should be used cautiously in pets that have conditions such as gastrointestinal ulcers, active infections, diabetes mellitus, or cataracts, as these conditions are negatively affected by steroids. It should be avoided in pets undergoing a surgical or other stressful procedure. Budesonide should be avoided in pregnant and lactating pets, and if it must be used, the benefits should outweigh the risks.
What happens if I miss giving a dose of Budesonide?
If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time, and return to the regular dosing schedule. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
What are the potential side effects of Budesonide?
The most likely side effects include increased appetite, increased drinking and urination, lethargy, muscle weakness, increased panting in dogs, skin and haircoat changes, weight increases, and potbellied appearance. This medication has a moderate duration, and therefore the effects may last for several days even after your pet has stopped the medication. These effects may be even longer in pets with liver and kidney disease.
Some animals can be sensitive or allergic to the medication. Common potential side-effects associated with budesonide include increased appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and changes in hair coat. If an animal experiences muscle loss, weakness, black and tarry stools, blood in the stool, or a “pot belly” while taking budesonide, immediate veterinarian care is needed. Although corticosteroid-related side-effects are less common with budesonide, they include polyuria, polydipsia, increased appetite, and changes in hair coat.
Do not discontinue this medication abruptly, as it can cause severe weakness, vomiting, collapse and, in severe cases, sudden death.
What other drugs will affect Budesonide?
Budesonide should be used with caution when given with the following medications: erythromycin, cimetidine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, diltiazem, grapefruit juice powder, NSAIDs such as carprofen, deracoxib, or robenacoxib, and oral antacids. Budesonide also interacts with intradermal skin testing for allergens, so a 2-week withdrawal period is recommended if your pet is undergoing skin allergy testing.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
