oral viscous budesonide

Oral viscous budesonide (OVB) is a topical corticosteroid formulation specifically developed for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). It is typically prepared by mixing budesonide inhalation suspension (such as Pulmicort Respules) with a thickening agent, most commonly sucralose (Splenda), to create a viscous slurry. This increased viscosity allows the medication to coat the esophageal mucosa more effectively and prolong contact time compared to standard liquid formulations. Budesonide is a potent synthetic glucocorticoid with high topical anti-inflammatory activity and low systemic bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver. The Mayo Clinic has been a key developer and investigator of this specific protocol to reduce esophageal eosinophilia and alleviate symptoms like dysphagia in patients with EoE.

Brand names

Pulmicort Respules

Other names

budesonide oral viscous slurryOVBbudesonide-sucralose slurry