Budesonide

Veterinary Compounding Medication – Customized for Dogs and Cats

Quick Reference

Commonly Prescribed For: Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Colitis

Species: Dogs and Cats

Therapeutic Class: Locally Acting Corticosteroid

Basic Information

Budesonide is a locally acting corticosteroid used to manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and certain types of colitis in dogs and cats. Unlike systemic corticosteroids, budesonide acts primarily at the site of inflammation with minimal systemic absorption, making it a preferred choice for long-term therapy.

Veterinary Medicine Uses

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Budesonide helps reduce gastrointestinal inflammation, alleviating chronic symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Colitis: Effective in treating inflammation of the colon, particularly in cases of lymphocytic-plasmacytic or ulcerative colitis.

Pharmacokinetics

Budesonide has low systemic bioavailability due to extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism, reducing systemic side effects compared to traditional corticosteroids. It can be compounded into capsules, tablets, oral suspensions, or transdermal gels for tailored administration based on each patient’s needs.

Side Effects

Common: Increased appetite, thirst, and urination; changes in hair coat.

Less Common: Muscle loss, weakness, or dark tarry stools, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.

Precautions

Budesonide should not be used in animals with hypersensitivity to corticosteroids and must be used cautiously in pets with infections, diabetes, ulcers, cataracts, or liver disease. Close monitoring is essential to prevent systemic complications during long-term therapy.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A Inhibitors: Drugs such as ketoconazole, erythromycin, and diltiazem can increase systemic exposure to budesonide, heightening the risk of side effects.

Antacids: Oral antacids may interfere with enteric-coated formulations, altering absorption and reducing therapeutic effectiveness.

Overdose Management

Overdose can lead to weakness, collapse, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Immediate veterinary attention is required. Treatment typically involves gut-emptying protocols and supportive care to restore electrolyte balance and stabilize vital signs.

Administration Tips

Always follow the prescribed dosage and frequency provided by your veterinarian. Do not adjust or skip doses without consulting your veterinary professional. Consistent administration ensures optimal control of inflammation and minimizes relapse risk.

Custom Veterinary Compounding for Budesonide

For expertly compounded Budesonide formulations and other anti-inflammatory medications, trust Rock Ridge Pharmacy. Contact our veterinary compounding team to explore dosage forms tailored for your pet’s specific gastrointestinal needs.