Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

Budesonide

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Alternate Name(s): 
Pulmicort
Classification: 
Adrenal Corticosteroid
Original Date: 
April 2010
Revised Date: 
Indications: 
  • Adjunctive treatment for BPD
Administration: 
  • Administer only with a compressed air driven jet nebulizer; do not use an ultrasonic nebulizer
Dosage: 
  • 0.25 - 0.5 mg twice daily
Side Effects: 
  • Endocrine and metabolic: the risk of clinically significant adrenal suppression with the use of budesonide is thought to be low but is increased with higher doses or with combined systemic and inhaled therapy
  • Local: nasal irritation, burning, growth of Candida in the mouth, throat or nares
  • Respiratory: cough, wheezing, brochospasm
Parameters to Monitor: 
  • Check mucous membranes for signs of fungal infection
Reconstitution and Stability: 

N/A

Compatibility: 

N/A

Notes: 
  • Avoid exposure of nebulized medication to eyes
References: 

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