UCERIS (budesonide) extended release tablets, for oral administration, contain budesonide, a synthetic corticosteroid, as the active ingredient. Budesonide is designated chemically as (RS)-11β, 16α, 17,21 tetrahydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione cyclic 16,17-acetal with butyraldehyde.

Budesonide is provided as a mixture of two epimers (22R and 22S). The empirical formula of budesonide is C₂₅H₃₄O₆ and its molecular weight is 430.5. Its structural formula is:

Budesonide is a white to off-white, tasteless, odorless powder that is practically insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol, and freely soluble in chloroform.

UCERIS, a delayed and extended-release tablet, is coated with a polymer film, which breaks down at or above pH 7.0. The tablet core contains budesonide with polymers that provide for extended release of budesonide.

Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: stearic acid, lecithin, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, lactose, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer types A and B, talc, triethylcitrate, and titanium dioxide.

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/28/2013
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.