Products
Oral budesonide suspension is prepared in pharmacies as an extemporaneous formulation on a physician’s prescription. Corresponding finished drug products are not commercially available.
Structure and properties
Budesonide (C25H34O6, Mr = 430.5 g/mol) is a racemate and exists as a white, crystalline, odorless, tasteless powder that is practically insoluble in water.
Preparation
To prepare an oral budesonide suspension, the active ingredient or a specialty is mixed with excipients such as sucralose, sucrose (sugar syrup, syrupus simplex PH), celluloses, and possibly preservatives. There are various manufacturing specifications.
Effects
Budesonide has local anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and immunosuppressive properties. The effects are due to binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors. Budesonide has a low oral bioavailability ranging from 6 to 13 percent.
Indications
For the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
Dosage
As prescribed by a physician. Do not eat or drink anything for up to one hour after taking.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local fungal infections (candidamycosis). No complete data are available.