Can budesonide oral suspension (Eohilia) be taken directly?

Budesonide oral suspension (Eohilia) is a new glucocorticoid preparation developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals of the United States. It is mainly used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis (Eosinophilic Esophagitis, referred to as EoE) in adults and adolescents over 12 years old. It is a chronic inflammatory disease triggered by an immune response that can lead to difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and esophageal stricture. The launch of Eohilia marks another major advancement in oral topical hormones in the treatment of esophagitis.

Different from the common inhaled budesonide, Eohilia is designed as a suspension dosage form that can be taken directly orally. Its purpose is to uniformly cover the drug on the esophageal mucosal surface, thereby achieving local anti-inflammatory effects. Patients should swallow the liquid directly when taking it, rather than inhaling or gargling it. The pharmaceutical properties of the drug enable it to stay longer in the esophageal mucosa, reducing drug absorption throughout the body, thereby reducing systemic side effects. This design concept of "local targeting and limited systemic absorption" is the key to distinguishing budesonide oral suspension from traditional oral glucocorticoids.

In terms of recommended dosage, according to the FDA approval of the United Statesadults and adolescents aged 12 years and above take 2 mg orally daily for 12 weeks. The medication should be taken at least 15 minutes before meals and avoid eating or drinking within 30 minutes after taking it to ensure full contact and absorption of the medication in the esophagus. If you drink or eat immediately after swallowing, the local effect of the drug may be affected.

The direct oral nature of Eohilia is not meant to be taken casually. To ensure efficacy and safety, medicinal solutions should be used under the guidance of a doctor and follow dosage and treatment requirements. If the patient has severe gastroesophageal reflux, dysphagia, or esophageal stenosis, he or she should be evaluated in advance to avoid insufficient retention time in the esophagus, resulting in reduced efficacy.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com