Budesonide Nasal Rinses
By: Amber Hannah, Pharm.D. Candidate 2021
A nasal rinse is used to cleanse the nasal cavity from allergens, such as dust, pollen, and other debris. It is also used to aid in relief of nasal symptoms of different illness, such as sinus infections, common cold, and the flu. Saline is an ingredient used in the nasal rinse to help water go through the nose without irritating and burning the nasal cavity. There are different medications that can be added to a nasal rinse, via a prescription from a prescriber. Budesonide is one of those medications, and it is a steroid that helps with inflammation in the body. Adding budesonide, which comes in a liquid form in a vial, to a nasal rinse can help with inflammation in the nasal cavity and can help with better breathing.
Can budesonide be used as a nasal rinse and what does it do?
Yes, budesonide can be used as a nasal rinse. It is an effective treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis (inflammation of the nose and sinuses) and asthma. It is also an effective way to decrease the use of oral intake of steroids, reducing the many side effects associated with oral steroid use. It works by preventing the inflammation that occurs with allergic reactions, as well as with asthma.
Is topical high-volume Budesonide Sinus Irrigation safe?
From studies that have been completed, topical high-volume budesonide sinus irrigation is safe and does not have any major adverse effects associated with its use. If patients are using the medication appropriately, the safety of this sinus irrigation is established.
Is budesonide better than fluticasone?
When comparing budesonide better than fluticasone, they are both just as effectiveness as one another. Although fluticasone is more potent than budesonide, they both still work with the same similarities. They are both effective when treating inflammation and allergy symptoms, such as stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy eyes, and watery eyes. Neither are recommended for long-term use and should be used for the shortest duration possible.
What are the side effects of Budesonide Nasal Rinse?
Side effects associated with budesonide nasal rinse is nosebleed, nose passage irritation, sore throat, burning or itching of the nose, and loss of sense of smell. Long-term effects include risk of infections, worsening of glaucoma, and poor wound healing, but this is if medication begins to be absorbed systemically. A patient can experience worsening of nasal congestion, develop a cough, hoarseness, runny nose, tightness in the chest, wheezing, voice changes, swollen glands in the neck, body aches or pain, and shortness of breath, but these effects are less common.
References
- Is rinsing your sinuses with neti pots safe? FDA website. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/rinsing-your-sinuses-neti-pots-safe#:~:text=Sinus%20rinsing%20can%20remove%20dust,%2C%20allergies%2C%20colds%20and%20flu. Update January 24, 2017. Accessed November 18, 2020.
- Budesonide nasal. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/budesonide-nasal.html. Updated December 9, 2019. Accessed November 18, 2020.
- Budesonide (nasal route). Mayo Clinic website. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/budesonide-nasal-route/side-effects/drg-20074729?p=1. Updated November 01, 2020. Accessed November 24, 2020.
- Sison G. Rhinocort vs Flonase: Main Differences and Similarities. SingleCare website. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/rhinocort-vs-flonase/#:~:text=Rhinocort%20(budesonide)%20and%20Flonase%20(fluticasone)%20are%20two%20corticosteroid,itchy%20nose%20and%20watery%20eyes. Updated April 3, 2019. Accessed November 24, 2020.
