Budesonide Tablets, Capsules and Granules

What are budesonide tablets, capsules and granules?

Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation. It mimics natural hormones from the adrenal glands with each formulation used to target different areas of the body. Budesonide also comes as an inhaler, nasal spray and inhaler[1].  

What are budesonide tablets, capsules and granules used for?

Budesonide is prescribed for a number of digestive and autoimmune conditions, including[1]: 

• Crohn’s disease (especially in the ileum and ascending colon) 

• Microscopic colitis 

• Ulcerative colitis 

• Eosinophilic oesophagitis 

• Autoimmune hepatitis 

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 

There are several formulations – known by brand names like Budenofalk, Entocort, Cortiment, and Jorveza – which release the medicine in different parts of the digestive tract[1][2]. 

How do budesonide tablets, capsules and granules work?

Budesonide reduces inflammation by calming the immune system’s response. The different formulations allow the medication to target certain sites of inflammation, such as slow-release tablets which work in the digestive tract, tablets that dissolve on the tongue which act on the food pipe, and capsules that exerts their effects in the liver[1]. 

Who can take budesonide tablets, capsules and granules?

Most adults can take budesonide, but it may not be suitable for those who[1]: 

• Have infections, especially viral ones like chickenpox or measles 

• Have liver disease, which can increase the risk of side effects 

• Have diabetes, osteoporosis, glaucoma, cataracts, or peptic ulcers 

• Have ever had tuberculosis, stomach ulcers, mental health problems, or allergic reaction to budesonide 

• Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding (only if recommended) 

• Have recently been in contact with someone with chickenpox, shingles, or measles 

Children may be prescribed budesonide under specialist care, but it is not routinely recommended for paediatric use. 

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist about any conditions you may have or medication you take before you start treatment, and always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[2].

What is the typical dosage of budesonide tablets, capsules and granules?

The dose and formulation will depend on the condition being treated and the type of budesonide being taken. The medication is usually given until symptoms improve and then gradually stopped to reduce the chances of relapse. It is therefore important to follow your prescribers instructions carefully[1].

How do you take budesonide tablets, capsules and granules?

To take this medicine safely[1]: 

• Take it in the morning, preferably before breakfast 

• Swallow capsules or tablets whole with water, never break, chew, crush or suck them 

• Pour granules onto your tongue and swallow them whole with a drink of water 

• Place orodispersable tablets on your tongue and press them against the roof of your mouth for about two minutes, swallowing bit by bit – don't have any food or drink for at least 30 minutes afterwards 

• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, which can increase budesonide levels in the blood  

Can you stop taking budesonide tablets, capsules and granules?

If you have been on budesonide for more than a few weeks, do not stop suddenly. Your doctor or pharmacist will give you a tapering plan to reduce the risk of adrenal suppression or relapse[1]. 

What do you do if you take too much budesonide tablets, capsules and granules?

Taking too much may lead to symptoms such as mood changes, blurred vision, or signs of Cushing’s syndrome. Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if this happens[1]. 

What do you do if you forget to take budesonide tablets, capsules and granules?

If you miss a dose[1]:

• Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s nearly time for the next dose 

• Do not take two doses together 

How do you store budesonide tablets, capsules and granules?

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date on the packaging[1]. 

What medicines can you not take with budesonide?

Some medicines may interact with budesonide and increase side effects or reduce effectiveness. These include[1]: 

• Medications that inhibit certain enzymes produced by the liver (e.g. ketoconazole, cobicistat) 

• Colestyramine and antacids (may reduce absorption) 

• Oestrogens and oral contraceptives 

• Live vaccines (not safe during treatment) 

• HIV medicines (ritonavir or cobicstat) 

• Other steroid medicines 

• Grapefruit juice (increases systemic exposure) 

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take before you start a new medicine, and follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[2].

What are the side effects of budesonide tablets, capsules and granules?

Common side effects may include[1]: 

• Mood changes (e.g. nervousness, insomnia) 

• Palpitations 

• Indigestion 

• Skin reactions 

• Oral thrush 

• Irregular periods 

Rare, but potentially serious, side effects may include[1]: 

• Cushing’s syndrome 

• Adrenal suppression 

• Glaucoma or cataracts 

• Osteoporosis 

• Growth delay in children 

• Blurred vision 

• Aggression 

Adrenal suppression happens when your adrenal glands (small glands above the kidneys) reduce or stop making their natural hormone, cortisol. This can occur if you’ve been on high doses of steroid medicine or have taken it for a long time. To give your body time to start producing cortisol again, your dose will usually be reduced gradually rather than stopped suddenly. 

If treatment is stopped too quickly, your body may not make enough cortisol to meet its needs. Signs of this include severe tiredness, weakness, dizziness, or feeling generally very unwell. If you notice these symptoms, contact your GP straight away. If you become very unwell, for example if you collapse or cannot stay awake call 999 immediately 

You should contact your GP if you experience any of these symptoms. In rare cases, the medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). You should call 999 or visit A&E immediately if you believe this is happening[1]. 

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include[1]:  

• Difficulty breathing  

• Tightness in throat and chest  

• Swelling of the tongue or throat  

• Feeling faint or dizzy  

• Blue/grey skin or lips  

• Loss of consciousness 

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. 

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with this medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional[2].

Frequently asked questions about budesonide tablets, capsules and granules

How long does budesonide take to work? 
It typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to see an effect, though longer for some people[1]. 

Can I drink alcohol while taking budesonide? 
Yes but avoid it if it worsens symptoms of IBD[1]. 

Will budesonide cause weight gain? 
Unlikely in the short term, but possible with long-term use[1]. 

Can I drive while taking budesonide? 
Yes, unless you experience side effects like visual disturbances[1]. 

Is budesonide addictive? 
No, but stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, adrenal suppression or relapse of the condition it was treating[1]. 

Do I need a steroid card? 
Yes, if you’re taking it for more than 3 weeks or at a high dose[1]. 

Can I take budesonide during pregnancy? 
Only if advised by your doctor[1]. 

Can I get vaccinated while taking budesonide? 
Avoid live vaccines. Inactivated vaccines are safe. It is recommended that the healthcare professional administering the vaccinations is notified of your treatment[1]. 

For the official NHS guide to budesonide tablets, capsules & granules, visit their website.