Budecort 200: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also known as: Budecort, Budecort inhaler, Budecort 200 mcg inhaler, Budesonide 200 mcg inhaler, Budesonide inhaler
Budecort 200 is a steroid inhaler containing budesonide, used regularly as a preventer in asthma. It reduces swelling in the airways so that symptoms happen less often. It does not relieve a sudden attack, so a separate reliever inhaler is usually also needed. It is a prescription medicine and should not be stopped suddenly without speaking to your doctor.
- Active ingredient
- Budesonide 200 mcg per puff
- Type of medicine
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Used for
- Asthma
- Starts working in
- It does not work straight away; many people notice less wheeze within about 3 to 7 days, and the full benefit can take longer
- Effect lasts
- It works only while used regularly, as your doctor has advised
- With or without food
- Not applicable; it is an inhaler. Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after use
- Alcohol
- No direct interaction is expected; ask your doctor
- Pregnancy
- Talk to your doctor; controlling asthma matters in pregnancy and you should not stop it on your own
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- VERIFY on pack
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Budecort 200 used for?
- How does Budecort 200 work?
- How to take Budecort 200
- Side effects of Budecort 200
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Budecort 200
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Budecort 200 used for?
Budecort 200 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to prevent asthma symptoms.
- Preventing wheezing, cough and breathlessness in asthma, when used regularly
- Other long-term lung conditions, when a doctor judges it suitable
How does Budecort 200 work?
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that acts directly in the lungs. Over days and weeks it calms the swelling in the airway lining, so the airways are less sensitive and less likely to tighten.
What happens in your body after you take it
You breathe in the dose
The inhaler delivers a measured amount of budesonide, which you breathe in through the mouth. Follow the pack leaflet and your doctor's instructions for the technique and any spacer.
It settles in the airways
The medicine lands on the lining of the airways in the lungs, where the swelling is.
It calms the swelling
Budesonide reduces the inflammation in the airway lining. This builds up over days of regular use.
The airways become less sensitive
With less swelling, the airways react less to triggers, so symptoms and attacks become less frequent.
Rinse your mouth
Some medicine stays in the mouth and throat. Rinsing with water or brushing your teeth afterwards helps to prevent thrush and a hoarse voice.
How to take Budecort 200
Use Budecort 200 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides how many puffs and how often.
- It is a preventer, used regularly, even when you feel well.
- Follow the pack leaflet and your doctor's instructions for how to use the inhaler, including a spacer if one is advised.
- Rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after each use.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless it is almost time for the next one. Do not take two doses together.
- Do not stop it suddenly or on your own. Talk to your doctor or nurse first.
- Keep your reliever inhaler with you for sudden symptoms, as your doctor advised.
Side effects of Budecort 200
Most people use inhaled budesonide without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Oral thrush: white patches, redness or soreness in the mouth
- Dry or sore throat
- Hoarse voice
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Signs of infection such as fever, chills, a very sore throat or mouth sores that do not heal
- Vomiting, dizziness, fainting, muscle weakness or extreme tiredness (possible adrenal problems)
- Blurred vision or a cloudy lens (possible eye problems)
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before using Budecort 200, or need extra care while using it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to budesonide or any ingredient of the inhaler
- As a reliever for a sudden asthma attack
- It does not relieve a sudden attack: if breathing is very difficult, use your reliever as advised and get emergency help
- Past tuberculosis (TB), or taking or having recently taken other steroid medicines
- Allergy to budesonide or any ingredient of the inhaler
- Pregnancy or planning a baby: talk to your doctor
- Children on higher doses have their height and weight checked; adults on high doses for a long time may need monitoring
- Keep the cap on when not in use, and have your technique checked regularly
Medicines and things that interact with Budecort 200
Budecort 200 can be used with many medicines, but a few change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including other steroids and herbal remedies.
- Other steroid medicines (tablets, injections, creams): the total steroid effect may be higher
- Some antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole and itraconazole, and some HIV medicines: they can raise the level of budesonide in the body
- Other breathing medicines: ask your doctor before changing how you use them
If someone takes too much
Using too much budesonide at one time is unlikely to cause harm. Using much more than advised over a long time can cause steroid side effects. If you are worried, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or go to the nearest hospital and take the inhaler with you.
Storage
Store as printed on the pack, away from heat and direct sunlight, with the cap on, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine (schedule to be confirmed from the pack). Single-ingredient budesonide was not found on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Budecort 200 contains budesonide only, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Other brands with the same medicine
Budesonide inhalers are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine, but the strength and the device can differ, so check the label. Some inhalers contain budesonide with another medicine, so do not switch without asking your doctor.
Other strengths and forms
Budesonide is sold as inhalers of different strengths and devices, as nebuliser solutions, nasal sprays and tablets, and some inhalers combine it with other medicines. The form and contents are printed on the pack, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Budecort 200 a prescription medicine?
Yes. It should be used only as your doctor has prescribed. Do not start, stop or change it on your own. Check the schedule wording printed on your pack.
Is Budecort a reliever?
No. It is a preventer that works over days and weeks and does not stop a sudden attack. Keep your reliever inhaler for sudden symptoms, as your doctor advised, and get emergency help if breathing is very difficult.
How long does Budecort take to work?
Not straight away. Many people notice less wheeze within about 3 to 7 days, and the full benefit can take longer. Keep using it as prescribed, even when you feel well.
Why should I rinse my mouth after Budecort?
Some medicine stays in the mouth and throat and can cause thrush, soreness or a hoarse voice. Rinsing with water or brushing your teeth after each use may help. Tell your doctor if you see white patches in your mouth.
Can I stop Budecort when my asthma is better?
Do not stop on your own. Feeling better usually means it is working, and stopping suddenly can bring symptoms back. Talk to your doctor or nurse, who decides whether any change is suitable.
What is the difference between Budecort 200 and budesonide?
Budecort is a brand name, and budesonide is the medicine inside it. Check the strength, device and ingredient list on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- About budesonide inhalers. NHS (UK)
- Who can and cannot use budesonide inhalers. NHS (UK)
- Common questions about budesonide inhalers. NHS (UK)
- How and when to use budesonide inhalers. NHS (UK)
- Side effects of budesonide inhalers. NHS (UK)
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)