Budesonide

Budesonide, sold under the brand name Pulmicort among others, is a medication of the corticosteroid type. It is available as an inhaler, nebulization solution, pill, nasal spray, and rectal forms. The inhaled form is used in the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nasal spray is used for allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps. The pills in a delayed release form and rectal forms may be used for inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and microscopic colitis. See also [1].

Budesonide is an agonist of glucocorticoid receptors. Among its effects are:

• Controls the rate of protein synthesis.
• Depresses the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and fibroblasts.
• Reverses capillary permeability and lysosomal stabilization at the cellular level to prevent or control inflammation.
• Has a potent glucocorticoid activity and weak mineralocorticoid activity.

(5nfp).