Budesonide

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Budesonide is a glucocorticoid steroid available in enema or capsule form. It is a steroid hormone that is able to bind to the cortisol receptor on cells, mimicking the naturally occurring cortisol or hydrocortisone produced in the adrenal glands. Budesonide has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and thus can be used to treat mild to moderate Crohn’s disease.

Budesonide is a part of a class of drugs known as nonsystemic steroids, because it targets a specific part of the body. The active ingredient is released in the ileum and colon, and acts by direct contact to reduce inflammation. 90% of the drug is inactivated before it reaches the rest of the body, and what little is absorbed is broken down by the liver and eliminated from the body. As a result, budesonide causes fewer side effects than traditional corticoid steroids. Side effects include, but are not limited to, headache, nausea, respiratory infection, nose irritation, and lightheadedness.