Inhaled corticosteroid
Budesonide with antibiotics: interactions and safety
Antibiotic courses are common, short-term and often combined with chronic medications such as Budesonide (Budesonide). Most antibiotics do not interfere meaningfully with Budesonide at 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg, but a few classes do, and a small number of combinations are best avoided.
Common antibiotic interactions
Macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin) and certain antifungals can inhibit hepatic metabolism (CYP3A4) and raise plasma levels of many medications including some Inhaled corticosteroid agents. Rifampicin has the opposite effect, accelerating metabolism. Most penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines have no clinically meaningful interaction with Budesonide at 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Budesonide, an antibiotic course should be reviewed by the prescriber or pharmacist for known interactions before Budesonide is co-administered. Adjusted 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg dosing or temporary substitution is sometimes preferred for the duration of the antibiotic course.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Budesonide during an antibiotic course? ▾
For most common antibiotics, yes. A few classes — notably macrolides and azole antifungals — alter how Budesonide is metabolised and may need a temporary 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg adjustment. The prescribing pharmacist should review any new antibiotic against the existing Budesonide regimen.
Will antibiotics make Budesonide stop working? ▾
Most antibiotics do not affect Budesonide efficacy. Rifampicin and a few others can lower Budesonide levels and reduce effect; in those cases the prescriber may adjust the dose during and shortly after the antibiotic course.
Products containing Budesonide
More on Budesonide
- With alcoholBudesonide and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Budesonide be taken with food?
- Side effectsBudesonide side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- Dosage guideBudesonide dosage guide: how much to take and when
- OnsetHow fast does Budesonide start working?
- DurationHow long does Budesonide last?
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