Budesonide inhalers
NHS information about budesonide inhalers, including what this medicine is used for, who can use it, how to use it and side effects.
Budesonide also comes as tablets, capsules, nasal spray, an enema and rectal foam to treat other conditions.
What budesonide inhalers are for
Budesonide inhalers contain a steroid medicine that’s used to treat asthma.
They’re called preventer inhalers because they can:
- reduce the chance of having an asthma attack
- control asthma symptoms
A preventer inhaler is different to the reliever inhaler that you use during an asthma attack.
Some inhalers contain budesonide and another medicine and can be used to treat asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some of them are used as both a preventer and reliever inhaler.
How to use budesonide inhalers
Budesonide usually comes as an inhaler you use once or twice a day.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist, nurse or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or have any problems taking it.
Your GP, a nurse or pharmacist will show you how to use your inhaler. Sometimes you may use a clear plastic tube called a spacer to attach to the inhaler. This makes it easier to breathe in your medicine.
When using budesonide:
- use the inhaler exactly as you’ve been shown
- try to use it at the same time each day
- rinse your mouth with water after using your inhaler and spit the water out
Budesonide can also be given using a nebuliser. This device lets you breathe in your medicine as a fine mist.
While using budesonide, you may be given a steroid alert card.
If a child is prescribed budesonide, they'll have their height checked regularly by their doctor. This is because steroids can sometimes affect how children grow.
Find out more
How to use different inhalers and spacers (RightBreathe)
Side effects of budesonide inhalers
Like all medicines, budesonide inhalers can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of budesonide inhalers include:
- a headache
- oral thrush (mouth thrush)
- a croaky or hoarse voice
- sore throat
Budesonide inhalers will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of budesonide inhalers.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot use budesonide inhalers
Most adults can use budesonide inhalers.
They are sometimes also prescribed for children aged 6 years or older.
But budesonide inhalers are not suitable for everyone. For example, they may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effects from budesonide or another steroid inhaler
- you have tuberculosis (TB)
- you have liver disease
Before using a budesonide inhaler, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and budesonide inhalers
You can usually use a budesonide inhaler while breastfeeding.
It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and budesonide inhalers
You can usually use budesonide inhalers if you're pregnant. It’s important that your asthma is controlled, to keep you and your baby safe.
Using budesonide inhalers with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with budesonide inhalers.
This includes:
- steroid tablets or steroid nasal sprays (corticosteroids)
- some antifungal medicines, taken as tablets or capsules
- antiviral medicines, such as ritonavir or cobicistat for HIV
Before using a budesonide inhaler, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with budesonide inhalers
You can eat and drink as normal while using a budesonide inhaler.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or a doctor for advice – if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicine Service
