Rhinocort (Budesonide) is a hormone with strong anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect. It is prescribed for the main treatment of bronchial asthma, helps prevent attacks, but does not relieve them directly.

Indications for use

The main indication for the use of Rhinocort in the form of an aerosol (spray or through a nebulizer) is bronchial asthma or obstructive lung disease that requires hormone treatment. This therapy is considered to be the main one, since it:

• helps reduce the frequency of attacks;

• allows you to reduce the dose of hormonal pills that cause serious side effects;

• will be able to slow down the progression of the disease and avoid complications.

Rhinocort-Native and Rhinoсort-Inteli: what and when to use

Rhinocort-Native is available in the form of a suspension for inhalation through a nebulizer, and Rhinoсort-Inteli is a pocket-sized metered-dose inhaler with a spray of the drug under pressure. The first drug (nebula) is intended for introduction into the respiratory tract through a compressor-type inhaler. The ultrasound device destroys hormones, so it is not suitable for treatment. Nebulizer therapy has the following advantages:

• you can choose an individual dose;

• it is easy to use, and there is no need to adjust the breath to the flow of the drug;

• there is additional respiratory humidification;

• The nebulizer bag is a pocket-sized device that you can easily take with you, as well as administer other drugs through it.

Rhinocort differs in the fact that the aerosol is sprayed under pressure. This allows you to use the inhaler for children, the elderly, and the weak. These categories of patients often cannot get the necessary dose of conventional drugs because they have a weak force of inspiration. Because of this, the main part settles in the upper respiratory tract, causes fungal lesions of the mucous membranes, and the drug passes partially into the bronchi.

Therefore, Rhinocort facilitates treatment regardless of the causes of respiratory failure.

Side effects

When Rhinocort is injected into the respiratory tract (inhalation with a nebulizer or spray), the following adverse reactions may occur:

• irritation of the nasal passages (sneezing, burning), the oral cavity (unpleasant sensations, dryness), the pharynx (scratching, pain when swallowing), the larynx (hoarseness);

• fungal lesions of the mucous membranes (thrush);

• reflex spasm of the bronchi (cough, shortness of breath).

Mechanism of systemic bioavailability of the drug

Although Rhinocort is considered less dangerous for general (systemic) reactions than, for example, Dexamethasone, but when inhaled, about a third of the injected hormone passes into the blood. Therefore, there may be complications, especially with prolonged or high-dose use.

Can I be pregnant or breast-feeding?

If during pregnancy, it is impossible to get rid of asthma attacks without hormones, then Rhinocort is prescribed in the form of inhalations under the supervision of a doctor. It is important to monitor the newborn in the future since it often has a low function of the adrenal glands.

Women of childbearing age are recommended to carefully protect themselves when hormone therapy is necessary since it is still considered dangerous for the development of the fetus. Internal use (in the form of pills, capsules) is strictly prohibited. When breastfeeding, Rhinocort is contraindicated because it is impossible to exclude its penetration into milk. The child is transferred to artificial milk mixtures.

In the case of tuberculosis infection and fungal lesions, in some cases, the drug may be used in combination with antimicrobial or antifungal agents. Low doses of Budesonide up to 0.5 mcg/day when administered via a short course nebulizer are allowed nursing.

Compatibility of Rhinocort with other drugs

It is necessary to avoid simultaneous use of drugs:

• antifungal action (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole);

• for the treatment of HIV (Ritonavir, Indinavir, and analogs);

• antibiotics such as Erythromycin, Klacid;

• antiulcer drug Cimetidine.

All of them violate the neutralization of Budesonide in the liver, which means that they increase the risk of complications of hormone therapy. If they cannot be replaced, then you need to make the maximum break between inhalation and taking these drugs.

When you use alcohol, anticoagulants (for example, Warfarin), the risk of bleeding increases, including bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Antidepressants are prohibited, as they increase the possibility of severe mental disorders against the background of hormone therapy.

It is dangerous to carry out vaccinations, take antitumor drugs because of reduced immunity. Hormonal birth control pills slow down the excretion of budesonide, which requires a reduction in dosage.