Do you sneeze often? Does a watery liquid come out of your nose when you wake up in the morning? Does your nose get blocked and it becomes difficult to breathe even when you touch dust or catch a cold? These are common symptoms of an allergy. In times like these, a doctor may prescribe a nasal spray for you. Today we are talking about one such commonly used nasal spray, Budesonide.
What is this Budesonide nasal spray?
Simply put, Budesonide is a medicine that reduces swelling and allergic reactions inside your nose. It is a type of nasal steroid. Think about it, when you have an allergy, the delicate membranes inside your nose swell, become red, and start producing more mucus. This is what causes your nose to be blocked, runny, and sneeze.
This spray works by controlling that inflammation. This increases the space inside your nose, making it easier for you to breathe. It also controls sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Although Budesonide is a safe medication, if you have certain health conditions, it is essential to inform your doctor before using it, as this medication may interact with those conditions.
| If you have these conditions... | Why is it important to tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Cataract or glaucoma | Steroids can sometimes affect eye pressure. |
| An infectious condition (e.g. tuberculosis, herpes, fungal infection) | Because steroids slightly reduce the body's immunity, existing infections may worsen. |
| Liver diseases | The liver is the body's way of removing drugs. If its function is low, you need to be careful with the medication. |
| If you have recently had nasal surgery or injury | It may not be appropriate to use the spray until the wound heals. |
| If you are taking other oral steroids (corticosteroids) | When using two types of steroids at the same time, you need to be careful about the dosage. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | It is essential to seek medical advice before using any medication. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | Talk to your doctor about whether the medicine passes to your baby through breast milk or not. |
How exactly do you use this?
This is very easy to use, but it's important to do it correctly .
- This is for the nose only. Do not apply to the mouth or eyes.
- Use it as directed by your doctor, for the prescribed amount of time. Do not use it more than that.
- To get the best results from this, it's very important to use it every day at the right time . It's not enough to use it one day and then not use it for two days.
- If given to children: Special care should be taken when using this in children over 6 years of age. Talk to your doctor about this.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What to do if the medication dose is increased?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, you should take immediate action. You can go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others. Do not give someone else's medicine without the advice of a doctor, even if their symptoms are similar to yours.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
When you use Budesonide, it may interact with other medications you are taking. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
- Some antibiotics - e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- Some antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis
- Antifungals - e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- Some medications for depression, such as Nefazodone
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- See your doctor at the scheduled time to see if there is any change in your symptoms.
- If there is no improvement after using the medicine for two weeks in a row or if the symptoms worsen, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Very important: While you are taking this medicine, do not be around anyone who has chickenpox or measles. Steroids can slightly change your immune system, so it can be dangerous if you catch one of these diseases. If you accidentally come into contact with someone who has it, talk to your doctor right away.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
As with any medication, some people may experience minor side effects. But don't worry, most people don't experience these.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | Description |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face, difficulty breathing. |
| Sores or crusts inside the nose | Painful sores or crusts inside the nose. |
| Frequent or excessive nosebleeds | Bleeding that is not minor, but frequent or unstoppable. |
| Whistling sound coming from the nose | Continuous whistling sound coming from the nostrils when breathing. |
| Thrush (fungal infection) | White patches in the nose or mouth. |
| Decreased adrenal function | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, dizziness. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Headache | Slight headache. |
| Sore nose/throat | A slight burning or discomfort may be felt immediately after applying the spray. |
| Cough | Slight cough caused by the spray. |
| Change in sense of smell or taste | Temporary loss of smell or taste. |
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep away from children and pets .
- Store upright at room temperature (between 20-25 Celsius). Do not refrigerate.
- Discard any remaining medication after 120 sprays have been used or the expiration date has passed (whichever comes first).
- Ask your doctor how to safely dispose of expired or no longer needed medications.
Take-Home Message
- Budesonide is a steroid spray used to treat nasal allergies. It reduces swelling inside the nose and makes breathing easier.
- For best results, use it at the same time every day, as directed by your doctor.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any severe side effects, such as facial swelling, excessive nosebleeds, or white spots inside the nose, see a doctor immediately.
- This spray is for you only. Never share it with others.
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