Rhinocort

Generic Name: Budesonide
Product Name: Rhinocort

Indication

Rhinocort is used for the following conditions:

• Hayfever
• Nasal polyps

Action

Rhinocort contains a drug called budesonide. Budesonide works by reducing inflammation/swelling of the nose lining, which may cause symptoms such as runny nose, blocked nose, itching or sneezing.

Dose advice

Rhinocort is available in your pharmacy. A higher strength is available via prescription from your doctor.

Rhinocort is safe to use in pregnancy (Rhinocort is an ADEC Category A drug).

It is also considered safe to use while breastfeeding. However, if you are unsure about anything, consult your doctor to examine the benefits and risks of using this medicine. It is also important you notify your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder, an infection or any other health condition, as your doctor may need to examine the risks and benefits of using this medication for you.

•  Take the dose at the same time each day to obtain the best effect and to help you remember it
• The usual dose for hayfever is 128 mcg into each nostril once a day or 64 mcg into each nostril twice a day
• Once the hayfever is under control, the dose can be reduced to a dose of 32-64 mcg into each nostril once a day
•  Avoid exceeding this dose. For nasal polyps, the usual dose is 64 mcg into each nostril twice daily

Schedule

Schedule 4

Common side effects

All medicines have side effects. Some side effects can be serious, but the most common ones are mild. Common side effects occurring in more than 1% of patients prescribed Rhinocort include:

• Nose stinging
• Nose itching
• Sneezing
• Dry mouth
• Cough
• Sore throat

Uncommon side effects

Uncommon side effects that occur in less than 1% of patients. Do not be alarmed by this list. A patient will not necessarily experience any of these:

• Nose bleeds
• Allergic reaction (e.g. swelling and difficulty in breathing, rash)
• Nose ulcer

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, or any other unusual or abnormal symptoms.

References

1. Australian Medicines Handbook. Budesonide. [Monograph online]AMH Pty Ltd 2007. [Cited December 28, 2007]. Available from: http://www.amh.net.au
2. Rhinocort. MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2007. [Cited December 28, 2007]. Available from: http://www.mims/com.au
3. Lazo, J, Gilman A, Brunton L, Parker K. Goodman & Gilman’s the pharmacological basis of therapeutics.11th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2005

For further information talk to your doctor.