Budesonide

Budesonide, sold under the brand name Pulmicort among others, is a medication of the corticosteroid type. It is available as an inhaler, nebulization solution, pill, nasal spray, and rectal forms. The inhaled form is used in the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nasal spray is used for allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps. The pills in a delayed release form and rectal forms may be used for inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and microscopic colitis. See also Budesonide.

Budesonide is an agonist of glucocorticoid receptors. Among its effects are:

• Controls the rate of protein synthesis.
• Depresses the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and fibroblasts.
• Reverses capillary permeability and lysosomal stabilization at the cellular level to prevent or control inflammation.
• Has a potent glucocorticoid activity and weak mineralocorticoid activity.

Glucocorticoid Receptor in complex with budesonide (5nfp).

Budesonide binding site. Water molecule is shown as red sphere.