Drug Interaction Report

The following interaction applies to orally and rectally administered formulations of budesonide that are typically used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. It does not apply to budesonide that is administered via oral inhalation (for the treatment of asthma or COPD) or other routes. -- PHENobarbital may reduce the levels of budesonide in your intestine or bowel. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications, including PHENobarbital or budesonide, without first talking to your doctor.

Ask your doctor before using PHENobarbital together with ethanol (alcohol), this can add to dizziness, drowsiness and other side effects of PHENobarbital. Be careful if you drive or do activities that require you to be awake and alert. Talk with your doctor before using any medications together, or drinking alcohol with PHENobarbital. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

You should avoid the regular consumption of large amounts of grapefruits and grapefruit juice while taking budesonide. Grapefruit can raise the levels of budesonide in your body and lead to increased side effects. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.