Budesonide Is a Corticosteroid Used to Treat Inflammatory and Respiratory Conditions

Budesonide is a prescription corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) that reduces inflammation in the body and is used to treat conditions including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and IgA nephropathy.

If your doctor has prescribed Budesonide — or you're researching it for the first time — this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, what it treats, how to take it, what it costs, and who should avoid it.

What Is Budesonide?

Budesonide is a synthetic corticosteroid that works by suppressing inflammation. Unlike systemic steroids such as Prednisone, Budesonide is designed to act locally — in the gut, lungs, or nasal passages — which means it generally causes fewer whole-body side effects.

It's available under several brand names, each designed for a specific condition:

• Entocort EC and Ortikos — delayed-release oral capsules (3 mg) for Crohn's disease
• Uceris — extended-release tablets (9 mg) for ulcerative colitis, and rectal foam for ulcerative proctitis
• Pulmicort Flexhaler — dry powder inhaler (90 mcg, 180 mcg) for asthma in adults and children 6+
• Pulmicort Respules — nebulizer solution (0.25–1 mg) for asthma in children 12 months to 8 years
• Rhinocort — nasal spray (32 mcg/spray) for allergic rhinitis (available over the counter)
• Tarpeyo — delayed-release capsules (4 mg) for IgA nephropathy

Budesonide is manufactured by several companies, including AstraZeneca (Pulmicort, Rhinocort), Bausch Health (Entocort EC), Salix Pharmaceuticals (Uceris), and Calliditas Therapeutics (Tarpeyo). Generic versions are available for most oral and inhaled formulations.

Budesonide is not a controlled substance.

What Is Budesonide Used For?

Budesonide is FDA-approved for the following conditions:

• Crohn's disease — Mild to moderate active Crohn's disease involving the ileum and/or ascending colon (Entocort EC, Ortikos)
• Ulcerative colitis — Induction of remission in active, mild to moderate UC (Uceris tablets)
• Asthma — Maintenance treatment in adults and children (Pulmicort Flexhaler, Pulmicort Respules)
• Allergic rhinitis — Seasonal and perennial nasal allergy symptoms (Rhinocort nasal spray)
• IgA nephropathy — In patients at risk of rapid disease progression (Tarpeyo)

Doctors also prescribe Budesonide off-label for:

• Microscopic colitis (collagenous and lymphocytic colitis)
• Eosinophilic esophagitis (as an oral viscous slurry)
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• COPD (inhaled, often with bronchodilators)
• Croup in children (nebulized)

To understand how Budesonide works in your body, see our mechanism of action guide.

How Is Budesonide Taken?

The way you take Budesonide depends on the formulation:

Oral Capsules (Entocort EC, Ortikos) — for Crohn's Disease

• Typical dose: 9 mg once daily in the morning for up to 8 weeks
• Then taper: usually to 6 mg daily for 2 weeks, then 3 mg for 2 weeks before stopping
• Swallow whole — do not crush, chew, or open the capsules
• Can be taken with or without food

Extended-Release Tablets (Uceris) — for Ulcerative Colitis

• Typical dose: 9 mg once daily in the morning for up to 8 weeks
• Swallow whole — do not crush, cut, or chew
• Can be taken with or without food

Delayed-Release Capsules (Tarpeyo) — for IgA Nephropathy

• Typical dose: 16 mg per day (4 mg four times daily) for 9 months, then taper over 2 weeks

Inhaled (Pulmicort Flexhaler) — for Asthma

• Adults: 180–720 mcg twice daily
• Children 6+: 180–360 mcg twice daily
• Rinse your mouth after each use to prevent oral thrush

Nebulizer (Pulmicort Respules) — for Pediatric Asthma

• Children 12 months to 8 years: 0.25–1 mg per day, given via jet nebulizer

Nasal Spray (Rhinocort) — for Allergic Rhinitis

• Adults and children 6+: 1–4 sprays per nostril daily
• Shake and prime before first use
• Available over the counter

Who Should Not Take Budesonide?

Budesonide is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• A known allergy to Budesonide or any ingredient in the formulation
• Active or dormant tuberculosis
• Untreated fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections
• Status asthmaticus or acute bronchospasm (inhaled forms are not rescue inhalers)

Use with caution if you have:

• Liver disease — Oral Budesonide is heavily metabolized by the liver. Moderate-to-severe liver impairment increases systemic exposure and side effect risk.
• Diabetes — Corticosteroids can raise blood sugar.
• Osteoporosis — Long-term corticosteroid use can reduce bone density.
• Glaucoma or cataracts — Inhaled and nasal corticosteroids may worsen these conditions.

Always tell your doctor about all medications you take. Budesonide has important drug interactions, particularly with CYP3A4 inhibitors like Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, and Ritonavir.

For a complete list of side effects, see our Budesonide side effects guide.

How Much Does Budesonide Cost?

The cost of Budesonide varies widely depending on the formulation:

• Generic oral capsules (3 mg, 30 count): $50–$150
• Uceris tablets (brand): $1,200–$1,800
• Pulmicort Flexhaler (brand): $250–$350
• Generic Respules: $30–$100
• Rhinocort nasal spray (OTC): $12–$20
• Tarpeyo: $3,000+ per month

Most insurance plans cover generic Budesonide oral capsules (Tier 2–3). Brand-name products like Uceris and Tarpeyo often require prior authorization. Rhinocort is available over the counter and is typically not covered by insurance.

To lower your costs, check out our guide on coupons, discounts, and patient assistance programs for Budesonide. Manufacturer programs include AstraZeneca's AZ&Me program (for Pulmicort), Salix Savings Cards (for Uceris), and Calliditas TARGET Support (for Tarpeyo).

Final Thoughts

Budesonide is a versatile corticosteroid that treats a wide range of inflammatory and respiratory conditions with fewer systemic side effects than Prednisone. Whether you're taking it for Crohn's disease, asthma, allergies, or IgA nephropathy, the key is to take the right formulation, follow your dosing schedule, and stay in touch with your doctor about any side effects.

If you need help finding Budesonide at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can show you where it's in stock.