Class: Adrenals
VA Class: NT200
Chemical Name: [11β,16α(R)]-16,17-Butylidene-bis(oxy)-11,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione and 16α,17-[(S)-butylidinebis(oxy)]-11β,21-dihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione
Molecular Formula: C25H34O6
CAS Number: 51333-22-3
Brands: Entocort EC, Pulmicort, Symbicort
Special Alerts:
[Posted 02/18/2010] FDA notified healthcare professionals and consumers that, due to safety concerns, FDA is requiring a risk management strategy (REMS) and class-labeling changes for all Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs). The REMS will require a revised Medication Guide written specifically for patients, and a plan to educate healthcare professionals about the appropriate use of LABAs. These changes are based on FDA's analyses of studies showing an increased risk of severe exacerbation of asthma symptoms, leading to hospitalizations in pediatric and adult patients as well as death in some patients using LABAs for the treatment of asthma.
Healthcare professionals are reminded that to ensure the safe use of these products:
Single-ingredient LABAs should only be used in combination with an asthma controller medication; they should not be used alone.
LABAs should only be used long-term in patients whose asthma cannot be adequately controlled on asthma controller medications.
LABAs should be used for the shortest duration of time required to achieve control of asthma symptoms and discontinued, if possible, once asthma control is achieved. Patients should then be maintained on an asthma controller medication.
Pediatric and adolescent patients who require the addition of a LABA to an inhaled corticosteroid should use a combination product containing both an inhaled corticosteroid and a LABA, to ensure compliance with both medications.
FDA has determined that the benefits of LABAs in improving asthma symptoms outweigh the potential risks when used appropriately with an asthma controller medication in patients who need the addition of LABAs. FDA believes the safety measures recommended will improve the safe use of these drugs. For more information visit the FDA website at: and .
REMS:
FDA approved a REMS for budesonide to ensure that the benefits of a drug outweigh the risks. The REMS may apply to one or more preparations of budesonide and consists of the following: communication plan. See the FDA REMS page () or the ASHP REMS Resource Center ().
Introduction
Synthetic, nonhalogenated corticosteroid; potent glucocorticoid and weak mineralocorticoid activity.1 2 3 6 31 j
Uses for Budesonide
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Crohn’s Disease
Used orally for the management of an active episode of mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or ascending colon1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 31 and for maintenance of clinical remission for up to 3 months in this condition.1 40
Has been used for the management of mild to moderately active Crohn’s disease† in a limited number of children 9.5–18 years of age.10
Asthma
Long-term prevention of bronchospasm in patients with asthma.3 28 j
In corticosteroid-dependent patients, may permit a substantial reduction in daily maintenance dosage of systemic corticosteroid and gradual discontinuance of corticosteroid maintenance dosages.2 3 28 j
Used in fixed combination with formoterol in asthmatic patients whose disease is inadequately controlled with other anti-asthma therapy (e.g., low-to-medium dosages of inhaled corticosteroids) or whose disease severity warrants treatment with 2 maintenance therapies.g
Fixed combination with formoterol should not be used in patients whose asthma can be successfully managed with inhaled corticosteroids and occasional use of inhaled short-acting β2-adrenergic agonists.g
Not indicated for management of acute bronchospasm.2 3 g j
Not indicated for treatment or prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.g
Budesonide Dosage and Administration
General
Asthma
Individualize dosage carefully according to disease severity.j
Base initial and maximum dosages of oral inhalation on previous asthma therapy.2 3
After a satisfactory response is obtained, decrease dosage gradually to the lowest dosage that maintains an adequate clinical response.2 3 j Achieve the lowest effective dosage, particularly in children, since inhaled corticosteroids have the potential to affect growth.g j (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)
Conversion to Orally Inhaled Therapy in Patients Receiving Systemic Corticosteroids
When switching from systemic corticosteroids to orally inhaled budesonide, asthma should be reasonably stable before initiating withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids.j
Initially, administer the oral inhalation therapy concurrently with the maintenance dosage of the systemic corticosteroid.2 a j After about 1 week, gradually withdraw systemic corticosteroid, followed by further reductions after an interval of 1 or 2 weeks.2 3 j
Usual decrements of ≤2.5 mg or ≤25% of prednisone dosage (or its equivalent) every 1–2 weeks used in patients receiving budesonide powder for inhalation or inhalation suspension, respectively.2 3 j Once oral corticosteroids are discontinued and symptoms of asthma have been controlled, titrate the dosage to the lowest effective level.2 3 g
Death has occurred in some individuals due to adrenal insufficiency in whom systemic corticosteroids were withdrawn too rapidly.j If evidence of adrenal insufficiency occurs, increase systemic corticosteroid dosage temporarily and then continue withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids more slowly.j (See Withdrawal of Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy under Cautions.)
Administration
Administer orally as delayed-release capsules.1 6 7 9 11 12 15 31
Administer by oral inhalation via nebulization (Pulmicort Respules),2 d an oral aerosol inhaler (Symbicort), or an oral powder inhaler (Pulmicort Flexhaler, Pulmicort Turbuhaler).3 28 g j
Oral Administration
Administer orally once daily as delayed-release capsules containing enteric-coated granules.1 6 28 31
Swallow the capsules intact; do not chew or break.1 6 However, limited data indicate that the release characteristics of capsules were not affected when unencapsulated granules were added to applesauce for 30 minutes.28
Avoid concomitant use of the capsules and grapefruit juice.1 6 (See Specific Drugs or Food under Interactions.)
Manufacturer makes no specific recommendations regarding administration with meals;1 a high-fat meal may decrease the rate of absorption.1 6 (See Absorption under Pharmacokinetics.)
Oral Inhalation
Following each dose, rinse the mouth with water to remove residual drug and to minimize the development of fungal overgrowth and/or infection.2 3 24 25 28 g h
Inhalation Powder
Prime the oral inhaler prior to initial use.3 25 j k
Do not shake Pulmicort Flexhaler.j
Actuate inhaler and inhale deeply and forcefully.3 25 j k
Pulmicort Turbuhaler and Pulmicort Flexhaler cannot be refilled; discard when empty.3 25 j k
Inhalation Suspension
Do not administer the oral inhalation suspension parenterally or use with ultrasonic nebulizers.2 24 28
Using in vitro testing at a flow rate of 5.5 L per minute for an average of 5 minutes, the Pari-LC-Jet Plus nebulizer delivered at the mouthpiece approximately 17% of the original dose.f
Administer using a jet nebulizer (with face mask or mouthpiece) connected to a compressor that has an adequate air flow.2 28 To optimize delivery and to avoid exposure of the eyes to nebulized drug, adjust the face mask properly.2 24
When a face mask is used for nebulization, wash the face after each use to avoid dermatologic corticosteroid effects (e.g., rash, contact dermatitis).2 28
Safety and efficacy of budesonide inhalation suspension administered by a nebulizer other than the Pari-LC-Jet Plus Nebulizer or a compressor other than the Pari Master compressor not established.2 28
Inhalation Aerosol
Administer budesonide in fixed combination with formoterol using an aerosol inhaler device.g Administer twice daily (morning and evening).g h
Test spray 2 times before first use, if not used for >7 days, or if dropped.g h
Shake well for 5 seconds immediately prior to use.g h
Clean inhaler every 7 days by wiping mouthpiece with a dry cloth.g h
Use the actuator supplied with the product to administer budesonide in fixed combination with formoterol.g h
Symbicort cannot be refilled; discard when empty.h
Dosage
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Dosage of budesonide inhalation powder is expressed in mcg delivered from the mouthpiece.a j The amount of drug powder delivered to the lungs depends on factors such as the patient’s inspiratory flow.3 28 j
Each actuation of the Pulmicort Turbuhaler inhaler contains 200 mcg of budesonide inhalation powder and delivers approximately 160 mcg of budesonide per activation from the mouthpiece.3
Each actuation of the Pulmicort Flexhaler inhaler contains 90 or 180 mcg of budesonide inhalation powder and delivers approximately 80 or 160 mcg of budesonide, respectively, per activation from the mouthpiece.j
When switching between Pulmicort Turbuhaler and Pulmicort Flexhaler, dose may vary and is not predictable by dose of other inhaler.j Follow dosage recommendations; titrate based on clinical response.j
Delivery of oral inhalation suspension (Pulmicort Respules) to the lungs depends on the type of jet nebulizers used, performance of the compressor, and on factors such as the patient’s inspiratory flow.2 28
Dosage of budesonide in fixed combination with formoterol fumarate dihydrate (Symbicort) inhalation aerosol is expressed in mcg delivered from the mouthpiece.g Each actuation of the Symbicort inhalation aerosol delivers 91 or 181 mcg of budesonide and 5.1 mcg of formoterol fumarate dihydrate from the valve, and 80 or 160 mcg of budesonide and 4.5 mcg of formoterol fumarate dihydrate from the actuator per metered spray.g The amount of drug delivered to the lungs depends on factors such as the patient’s inspiratory flow.g The aerosol inhaler delivers 60 metered sprays per 6- or 6.9-g canister, and 120 metered sprays per 10.2-g canister.g
Pediatric Patients
Asthma
Maintenance Monotherapy
Oral Inhalation Powder (Pulmicort Turbuhaler)
Children ≥6 years of age previously receiving bronchodilators alone: Initially, 160 mcg (labeled 200 mcg) twice daily.3 28 a If required, may increase dosage to a maximum of 320 mcg (labeled 400 mcg) twice daily.3 28 a
Children ≥6 years of age previously receiving inhaled corticosteroids: Initially, 160 mcg (labeled 200 mcg) twice daily.3 28 a If required, may increase dosage to a maximum of 320 mcg (labeled 400 mcg) twice daily.3 28 a
In children with mild-to-moderate asthma whose asthma is adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids, consider 160 or 320 mcg (labeled 200 or 400 mcg, respectively) once daily.3 a
Oral Inhalation Powder (Pulmicort Flexhaler)
Children and adolescents 6–17 years of age: Initially, 160 mcg (labeled 180 mcg) twice daily.j If required, may increase dosage to a maximum of 320 mcg (labeled 360 mcg) twice daily.j In some patients, an initial dosage of 320 mcg (labeled 360 mcg) twice daily may be appropriate.j
Oral Inhalation Suspension
Children 1–8 years of age inadequately controlled with nonsteroidal (e.g., bronchodilator, mast-cell stabilizer) therapy: Initially, 0.25 mg once daily.2 28 If the response is inadequate, increase the total daily dosage and/or administer in divided doses.2
Children 1–8 years of age previously receiving bronchodilators alone: 0.5 mg daily, given in 1 or 2 divided doses.2 28
Children 1–8 years of age previously receiving inhaled corticosteroids: Initially, 0.5 mg daily, given in 1 or 2 divided doses.2 If response is inadequate, dosage may be increased to a maximum of 1 mg daily and/or administered in divided doses.2
Children 1–8 years of age previously receiving oral corticosteroids: 1 mg daily, given in 1 or 2 divided doses.2
Budesonide/Formoterol Fixed-combination Therapy
Oral Inhalation Aerosol
Adolescents ≥12 years of age not currently receiving an orally inhaled corticosteroid: Initially, 160 or 320 mcg of budesonide and 9 mcg of formoterol fumarate dihydrate twice daily, depending on asthma severity.g
Adolescents ≥12 years of age inadequately controlled with low-to-medium dosages of an inhaled corticosteroid: Initially, 160 mcg of budesonide and 9 mcg of formoterol fumarate dihydrate twice daily.g
Adolescents ≥12 years of age inadequately controlled with medium-to-high dosages of an inhaled corticosteroid: Initially, 320 mcg of budesonide and 9 mcg of formoterol fumarate dihydrate twice daily.g
If control of asthma is inadequate after 1–2 weeks of therapy at the lower dosage, a higher strength (higher strengths contain higher dosages of budesonide only) may provide additional asthma control.g
Adults
Crohn’s Disease
Management of Mild to Moderately Active Crohn’s Disease
Oral
Initially, 9 mg daily in the morning for 8 weeks.1 6
In patients who have not experienced remission during the initial 8-week course,28 29 a second 8-week course (16 weeks of continuous therapy) may be used.1 6 28 29
Maintenance of Remission
Oral
6 mg once daily for up to 3 months.1 40 If symptom control is maintained at 3 months, attempt to taper dosage to complete cessation.1 The manufacturer states that continued therapy beyond 3 months has not been shown to provide substantial clinical benefit.1
Asthma
Maintenance Monotherapy
Oral Inhalation Powder (Pulmicort Turbuhaler)
Previously receiving bronchodilators alone: Initially, 160–320 mcg (labeled 200–400 mcg) twice daily.3 a If required, dosage may be increased to a maximum of 320 mcg (labeled 400 mcg) twice daily.3 a
Previously receiving inhaled corticosteroids: Initially, 160–320 mcg (labeled 200–400 mcg) twice daily.3 a If required, may increase dosage to a maximum 640 mcg (labeled 800 mcg) twice daily.3 a
In patients with mild-to-moderate asthma whose asthma is adequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids, consider 160 or 320 mcg (labeled 200 or 400 mcg, respectively) once daily.3 a
Pulmicort Turbuhaler in adults previously receiving oral corticosteroids: Initially, 320–640 mcg (labeled 400–800 mcg) twice daily.3 a If required, may increase dosage to a maximum of 640 mcg (labeled 800 mcg) twice daily.3 a
Oral Inhalation Powder (Pulmicort Flexhaler)
Usual initial dosage is 320 mcg (labeled 360 mcg) twice daily.j In some patients and in well-controlled patients, an initial dosage of 160 mcg (labeled 180 mcg) twice daily may be adequate.j If required, may increase dosage to a maximum of 640 mcg (labeled 720 mcg) twice daily.j
Budesonide/Formoterol Fixed-combination Therapy
Oral Inhalation Aerosol
Patients not currently receiving an orally inhaled corticosteroid: Initially, 160 or 320 mcg of budesonide and 9 mcg of formoterol fumarate dihydrate twice daily, depending on asthma severity.g
Patients inadequately controlled with low-to-medium dosages of an inhaled corticosteroid: Initially, 160 mcg of budesonide and 9 mcg of formoterol fumarate dihydrate twice daily.g
Patients inadequately controlled with medium-to-high dosages of an inhaled corticosteroid: Initially, 320 mcg of budesonide and 9 mcg of formoterol fumarate dihydrate twice daily.g
If control of asthma is inadequate after 1–2 weeks of therapy at the lower dosage, a higher strength (higher strengths contain higher dosages of budesonide only) may provide additional asthma control.g
Prescribing Limits
Pediatric Patients
Asthma
Maintenance Monotherapy
Oral Inhalation Powder
Pulmicort Turbuhaler in children ≥6 years of age: Maximum 320 mcg (labeled 400 mcg) twice daily.3 a
Pulmicort Flexhaler in children and adolescents 6–17 years of age: Maximum 320 mcg (labeled 360 mcg) twice daily.j
Oral Inhalation Suspension
Children 1–8 years of age, previously receiving bronchodilators alone: Maximum 0.5 mg daily.2 28
Children 1–8 years of age, previously receiving inhaled corticosteroids: Maximum 1 mg daily.2
Children 1–8 years of age, previously receiving oral corticosteroids: Maximum 1 mg daily.2
Budesonide/Formoterol Fixed-combination Therapy
Oral Inhalation Aerosol
Adolescents ≥12 years of age: Maximum 320 mcg of budesonide and 9 mcg of formoterol fumarate dihydrate twice daily.g
Adults
Asthma
Maintenance Monotherapy
Oral Inhalation Powder
Pulmicort Turbuhaler in patients previously receiving bronchodilators alone: Maximum 320 mcg (labeled 400 mcg) twice daily.3 a
Pulmicort Turbuhaler in patients previously receiving inhaled corticosteroids: Maximum 640 mcg (labeled 800 mcg) twice daily.3 a
Pulmicort Turbuhaler in patients previously receiving oral corticosteroids: Maximum 640 mcg (labeled 800 mcg) twice daily.3 a
Pulmicort Flexhaler in patients ≥18 years of age: Maximum 640 mcg (labeled 720 mcg) twice daily.j
Budesonide/Formoterol Fixed-combination Therapy
Oral Inhalation Aerosol
Maximum 320 mcg of budesonide and 9 mcg of formoterol fumarate dihydrate twice daily.g
Special Populations
Hepatic Impairment
Crohn’s Disease
Consider dosage reduction in moderate to severe hepatic impairment.1 6 (See Special Populations under Absorption in Pharmacokinetics.)
Asthma
No specific dosage recommendations at this time.g
Renal Impairment
Asthma
No specific dosage recommendations at this time.g
Geriatric Patients
Oral monotherapy: Careful dosage selection recommended due to possible age-related decrease in hepatic, renal, and/or cardiac function and concomitant disease and drug therapy.1
Oral inhalation powder (Pulmicort Flexhaler): Careful dosage selection recommended due to possible age-related decrease in hepatic, renal, and/or cardiac function and concomitant disease and drug therapy.j
Fixed combination of budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate: No dosage adjustment required.g (See Geriatric Use under Cautions.)
Cautions for Budesonide
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to budesonide or any ingredient in the formulation.1 2 3 g j
Orally inhaled budesonide for primary treatment of acute asthmatic attacks or status asthmaticus when intensive measures (e.g., an orally inhaled β2-adrenergic agonist, an orally inhaled anticholinergic agent, subcutaneous epinephrine, IV aminophylline, and/or an oral/IV glucocorticoid) are required.2 3 19 27 g j
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Withdrawal of Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy
Possible life-threatening adrenal insufficiency in patients being switched from systemic corticosteroids to orally inhaled budesonide.2 3 28 j
Withdraw systemic corticosteroid therapy gradually.1 2 3 6 j In general, the greater the dosage and duration of systemic corticosteroid therapy, the greater the time required for withdrawal of systemic corticosteroids and replacement by orally inhaled corticosteroids.14
Monitor carefully for objective signs of adrenal insufficiency (e.g., fatigue, lassitude, weakness, nausea, vomiting, hypotension) and asthma instability (e.g., airway function) during withdrawal of systemic therapy.1 j Carefully monitor lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], morning peak expiratory flow [PEF]), adjunctive β2-adrenergic agonist use, and asthma symptoms.j Patients who have been maintained on ≥20 mg of prednisone (or its equivalent) daily may be most susceptible to such adverse events, particularly during latter part of the transfer.2 3 j (See Conversion to Orally Inhaled Therapy in Patients Receiving Systemic Corticosteroids under Dosage and Administration.)
Corticosteroid withdrawal symptoms (e.g., joint pain, muscular pain, lassitude, depression) may occur.1 2 3 g j
Adrenal insufficiency may occur during exposure to trauma, surgery, infection (particularly gastroenteritis), or other conditions associated with acute electrolyte loss.1 2 3 j
Possible unmasking of allergic conditions previously controlled by systemic corticosteroid therapy (e.g., rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, arthritis, eosinophilic conditions).1 2 3 6 j
Do not use the fixed combination of budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate for transferring therapy from systemic to inhaled corticosteroids.g
Immunosuppressed Patients
Increased susceptibility to infections in patients taking immunosuppressant drugs compared with healthy individuals.1 2 3 g j Certain infections (e.g., varicella [chickenpox], measles) can have a more serious or even fatal outcome in such patients, particularly in children.1 2 3 g
Take particular care to avoid exposure in susceptible patients.1 2 3 e g j If exposure to varicella or measles occurs in susceptible patients, consider administering varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) or pooled immune globulin (IG), respectively.1 2 3 28 e g j Consider treatment with an antiviral agent if varicella develops.1 2 3 e g j
Paradoxical Bronchospasm
Possible life-threatening, acute, paradoxical bronchospasm and/or wheezing.2 3 g j If bronchospasm occurs, treat immediately with a short-acting bronchodilator, discontinue treatment with budesonide, and institute alternative therapy.2 3 28 g j
General Precautions
Ocular Effects
Glaucoma, increased IOP, and cataracts reported rarely in patients receiving orally inhaled corticosteroids.2 3 g h j
Use delayed-release capsules with caution in patients with glaucoma, cataracts, or a family history of glaucoma.1 6
Consider regular eye examinations.h j
Systemic Corticosteroid Effects
Administration of higher than recommended dosages of orally inhaled budesonide or prolonged oral administration of budesonide capsules may result in manifestations of hypercorticism and suppression of HPA function.1 2 3 g j To minimize potential for such changes, do not exceed recommended dosages of orally inhaled budesonide-containing therapy.a g j
Monitor patients receiving orally inhaled budesonide-containing therapy for any evidence of systemic corticosteroid effects.a g If systemic corticosteroid effects occur, reduce the dosage of budesonide-containing therapy slowly, consistent with accepted procedures for reducing corticosteroid dosage and management of asthma symptoms.a g j
Take particular care in monitoring patients postoperatively or during periods of stress for evidence of inadequate adrenal response.a g j Supplemental therapy with a systemic corticosteroid required during stress or severe asthma attacks.1 a g
Musculoskeletal Effects
Long-term use may affect normal bone metabolism, resulting in a loss of bone mineral density (BMD).g
Use of orally inhaled corticosteroids can pose additional risks in patients with major risk factors for decreased BMD, such as tobacco use, advanced age, sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, family history of osteoporosis, or chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass (e.g., anticonvulsants, additional corticosteroids).g h
Use delayed-release capsules with caution in patients with osteoporosis.1 6
Possible growth suppression in pediatric patients.2 3 g j (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)
Concomitant Disease States
Use delayed-release capsules with caution in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peptic ulcer, a family history of diabetes, or any other condition in which glucocorticoids may be associated with adverse effects.1 6
Infection
Localized candidal infections of the mouth and/or pharynx reported with oral inhalation therapy.2 3 g j
If infection occurs, initiate appropriate local or systemic antifungal treatment while still continuing with inhaled budesonide therapy.2 3 g j May require discontinuance of budesonide therapy (under close medical supervision) in some patients.2 3 g j
Lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, reported with orally inhaled corticosteroid therapy.g Use oral inhalation therapy with extreme caution, if at all, in patients with clinical tuberculosis or latent M. tuberculosis infection of the respiratory tract; untreated systemic fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex.2 3 g j
Use delayed-release capsules with caution in patients with tuberculosis.1 6
Other Effects
Unknown long-term local and systemic effects of the drug in humans, particularly local effects on developmental or immunologic processes in the mouth, pharynx, trachea, and lung.2 g j
Use of Fixed Combinations
When used in fixed combination with formoterol fumarate dihydrate, consider the cautions, precautions, and contraindications associated with formoterol.g
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category B (orally inhaled powder and inhalation suspension); category C (oral capsules, inhalation aerosol).1 2 3 28 g j
Hypoadrenalism may occur in infants of women receiving corticosteroid therapy during pregnancy; monitor these infants carefully.1 2 3 g j
Lactation
Distributed into milk.g j
Use of oral capsules, oral inhalation aerosol, or oral inhalation powder (Pulmicort Turbuhaler) not recommended; discontinue nursing or the drug.1 3 g Caution advised if inhalation suspension is used.f
Use oral inhalation powder (Pulmicort Flexhaler) only if clinically appropriate; titrate to lowest effective dosage and use inhaler immediately after nursing to minimize infant exposure.j
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of oral budesonide delayed-release capsules not established in pediatric patients <18 years of age with Crohn’s disease.1 28
Safety and efficacy of budesonide inhalation powder not established in children <6 years of age.3 j
Efficacy of budesonide inhalation suspension not established in children <1 year of age,2 while safety of the suspension not evaluated in children <6 months of age.2
Efficacy of inhalation aerosol containing budesonide in fixed combination with formoterol fumarate dihydrate not established in children <12 years of age.g Safety of combination therapy in children 6 to <12 years of age similar to that in adolescents and adults.g
With long-term use, slows growth rate in children and adolescents.2 3 g j Monitor routinely (e.g., via stadiometry) growth and development of pediatric patients receiving orally inhaled corticosteroid therapy.2 3 g j Weigh benefits of orally inhaled corticosteroid therapy versus possibility of growth suppression and the risks associated with alternative therapies.a g Use the lowest possible dosage that effectively controls asthma.35 a g
Geriatric Use
Insufficient experience with oral drug in patients ≥65 years of age to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger patients.1 6 (See Geriatric Patients under Dosage and Administration.)
Safety and efficacy of inhalation powder, inhalation suspension, or inhalation aerosol in patients ≥65 years of age similar to that in younger adults.2 3 6 28 g
Hepatic Impairment
Monitor patients with Crohn’s disease and moderate to severe hepatic impairment for increased signs and symptoms of hypercorticism.1 6 (See Hepatic Impairment under Dosage and Administration.)
Common Adverse Effects
With oral capsules, headache,1 6 7 40 dizziness,1 nausea,1 6 7 11 40 vomiting,1 6 7 11 40 dyspepsia,1 6 11 40 diarrhea,1 40 sinusitis,1 40 symptoms of hypercorticism,1 respiratory infection,1 6 40 viral infection,1 40 pain (including back pain),1 40 arthralgia,1 40 fatigue.1 6 40 Adverse effect profile in long-term treatment similar to short-term treatment.1
With oral inhalation, respiratory infection,2 3 pharyngitis,3 rhinitis,2 3 sinusitis, 3 cough,2 3 otitis (media or externa),2 flu-like syndrome,2 headache,3 pain (e.g., back pain).3
Interactions for Budesonide
Metabolized by the CYP3A4 isoenzyme.1 2 3 6 31 g j
Drugs or Foods Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes
Inhibitors of CYP3A4: Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (increased plasma budesonide concentrations).1 2 3 6 31 g j
Inducers of CYP3A4: Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (decreased plasma budesonide concentrations).1
Drugs Affecting GI pH
Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (may affect release properties and systemic absorption of enteric coated budesonide capsules).1 6
Specific Drugs or Food
Drug | Interaction | Comments |
|---|---|---|
Antibiotics, macrolide (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin) | Increased systemic exposure of budesonide1 2 3 6 31 j | Monitor carefully if used concomitantly with oral budesonide capsules;2 3 31 consider reduction of budesonide dosage1 6 8 |
Antifungals, azole (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole) | Increased systemic exposure of budesonide1 2 3 6 31 g j | Monitor carefully if used concomitantly with oral budesonide capsules;3 31 consider reduction of budesonide dosage1 |
No comments:
Post a Comment