Budicort Nasal Spray

Indications

Budicort nasal spray is prescribed for:

• Prophylaxis and treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.
• Prophylaxis and management of vasomotor rhinitis.
• Symptomatic relief of nasal polyps.
• Prevention of nasal polyp recurrence post-polypectomy.

Always follow the advice of a registered healthcare professional when using this medication.

Pharmacology

Budesonide, a synthetic corticosteroid, exhibits strong glucocorticoid activity with minimal mineralocorticoid effects. It boasts approximately 200 times greater affinity for glucocorticoid receptors and 1000 times higher topical anti-inflammatory potency compared to cortisol. Corticosteroids like budesonide effectively inhibit various immune cells (including mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) and key mediators (such as histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and cytokines) involved in allergic inflammatory responses.

Dosage

• Adults and Children (6 years and older): Administer 100 mcg once daily as one spray per nostril.
• Adults (12 years and older): The maximum recommended dosage is 400 mcg daily, administered as four sprays per nostril once daily.
• Pediatric Use: Safety and efficacy in children under 6 years have not been established.

Always consult with a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Administration

How to Use Budicort Nasal Spray:

1. Gently shake the bottle and remove the dust cover.
2. Hold the spray with your thumb beneath the bottle and your forefinger and middle finger on either side of the nozzle. Press down until a fine mist is released. If using for the first time or after a week or more, prime the applicator by pressing several times until a fine spray emerges.
3. Clear your nostrils by gently blowing your nose.
4. Close one nostril and insert the nasal applicator into the open nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly and keep the spray upright. Breathe in through your nose while firmly pressing down on the applicator to release one spray.
5. Exhale through your mouth.
6. Repeat the process in the other nostril for subsequent doses.

Cleaning Instructions: Clean the nasal spray at least once a week as follows:

1. Remove the dust cover.
2. Gently detach the nasal applicator.
3. Wash the applicator and dust cover in warm water.
4. Shake off excess water and allow them to air dry away from direct heat.
5. Reattach the applicator to the bottle and replace the dust cover.

Always follow the advice of a registered healthcare professional when using this medication.

Interactions

No significant drug interactions have been identified.

Side Effects

Local reactions to Budicort are typically mild and temporary. Clinical studies have not reported systemic side effects associated with Budicort nasal preparations. Common side effects may include sneezing, headache, sore throat, dry mouth, and nausea.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: The FDA categorizes inhaled budesonide as category B. Animal studies have not shown teratogenic effects when high doses are administered. While fetal harm is unlikely, the drug should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary due to limited human studies.
• Lactation: Minimal amounts of inhaled budesonide are present in breast milk, resulting in negligible exposure for infants. Experts consider inhaled corticosteroids safe during breastfeeding. Oral budesonide has approximately 9% bioavailability; infant exposure through breast milk is expected to be similarly low.

Precautions & Warnings

Budicort nasal spray should be used cautiously in patients with active or latent tuberculosis, untreated infections (fungal, bacterial, or viral), or ocular herpes simplex infections. Avoid use in patients with recent nasal septal ulcers, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma.

Overdose Effects

Acute overdose from nasally administered corticosteroids is unlikely given the amount of active ingredient in the bottle. Significant systemic adverse effects are not expected, even if the entire bottle is consumed at once. However, chronic overdosage may lead to symptoms of hypercorticism.

Therapeutic Class

Nasal Decongestants & Other Nasal Preparations, Respiratory Corticosteroids.

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.