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Budesonide

Prescription

Locally-acting glucocorticoid

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Potent glucocorticoid with high first-pass hepatic metabolism (~90%), providing topical anti-inflammatory action in the GI tract with reduced systemic side effects compared to prednisolone

At a glance

Class

Locally-acting glucocorticoid

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Dose

0.5–3 mg/dog total

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

3 mg

Duration: 6–12 weeks then taper; small dogs 0.5–1mg, large dogs 2–3mg

🐈

Cat

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) / Small cell lymphoma (adjunct)

Dose

0.5–1 mg/cat total

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

1 mg

Duration: 8–12 weeks then taper

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Capsule (enteric-coated granules) — 1

Strength

3mg

Available in India

💊

Capsule — 1

Strength

0.5mg (compounded)

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Systemic fungal infections

Use with caution

Hepatic portosystemic shunt
Reduced first-pass effect increases systemic exposure
Diabetes mellitus
Less impact than prednisolone but still monitor

Adverse effects

Common

Generally fewer systemic effects than prednisolone

Mild PU/PD possible

Serious

Adrenal suppression (chronic use)

GI ulceration (rare)

Hepatopathy

Monitoring parameters

Clinical signs (GI symptoms, body weight)Cortisol levels (ACTH stim if concerned)Blood glucose

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 2

Ketoconazole (Systemic)

major

Budesonide relies on CYP3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism for low systemic bioavailability. Ketoconazole inhibits CYP3A4, dramatically increasing systemic budesonide exposure (up to 6-fold), causing iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome.

Management: Avoid combination. If concurrent antifungal needed with budesonide, use fluconazole (less CYP3A4 inhibition) or terbinafine.

Itraconazole

major

Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4, greatly increasing systemic budesonide levels (defeats the purpose of using budesonide for its local GI effect with low systemic exposure).

Management: Avoid. Systemic steroid effects will occur. Use prednisolone instead (already systemic) if azole antifungal must be concurrent.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Entocort

AstraZeneca

India

Budez

Sun Pharma

Budesal

Cipla

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Budesonide?

Budesonide is a locally-acting glucocorticoid used in pets. Potent glucocorticoid with high first-pass hepatic metabolism (~90%), providing topical anti-inflammatory action in the GI tract with reduced systemic side effects compared to prednisolone

›What is Budesonide used for in pets?

Budesonide is used in veterinary medicine for: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) / Small cell lymphoma (adjunct).

›What is the Budesonide dose for dogs?

For dogs, Budesonide is typically dosed as follows — Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): 0.5–3 mg/dog total PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Budesonide dose for cats?

For cats, Budesonide is typically dosed as follows — Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) / Small cell lymphoma (adjunct): 0.5–1 mg/cat total PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Budesonide?

Common: Generally fewer systemic effects than prednisolone, Mild PU/PD possible. Serious (call your vet immediately): Adrenal suppression (chronic use), GI ulceration (rare), Hepatopathy.

›Does Budesonide need a prescription?

Yes. Budesonide is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Budesonide not be used?

Do not use Budesonide if: Systemic fungal infections.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database