What is usual starting dose of Budesonide for cats with IBD?

[msbogwan]

My senior kitty, Kiki, has been treated with prednisolone 2.5 mg. every other day for several years. Recently, she developed diabetes and had to stop the IBD. Unfortunately, the vomiting returned and is getting worse so I talked to the vet about other medication options. She recommended Budesonide, which may not affect the blood sugar as much as prednisolone. She wants to start Kiki on a loading dose of 3mg. twice a day for several days, then 3 mg. daily then 3 mg. every other day, etc. In reading about Budesonide, the starting dose appears to be 1mg. Is this loading dose usual for Budesonide?

 

[fionasmom]

Welcome to The Cat Site although I am sorry that your cat is facing some issues with IBD and diabetes. I have no personal experience with Budesonide but both Wedgewood Pharmacy and Avrio Pharmacy state that the dose has to be determined by the vet as related to the specific case for which it is being prescribed.

Introduction to Steroids – IBDKitties
You may have already been to ibdkitties; there is a discussion of dosage here and 3 mg is mentioned as possibility. Talk to your vet about concerns that this dosage seems high to you, ask for reasons for that amount and if it will be reduced over time.

 

[Jojo&Tutu]

My senior kitty, Kiki, has been treated with prednisolone 2.5 mg. every other day for several years. Recently, she developed diabetes and had to stop the IBD. Unfortunately, the vomiting returned and is getting worse so I talked to the vet about other medication options. She recommended Budesonide, which may not affect the blood sugar as much as prednisolone. She wants to start Kiki on a loading dose of 3mg. twice a day for several days, then 3 mg. daily then 3 mg. every other day, etc. In reading about Budesonide, the starting dose appears to be 1mg. Is this loading dose usual for Budesonide?

Seems high to me. My cat is on .4mg daily - (point four mg daily). You might want to get a second opinion from an internal medicine specialist vet.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Jojo&Tutu - this thread is a little older, so you may not get any response to your post. We hope the OP followed up on that dosage recommendation from their vet!!!

But, oddly enough, I just read about Budesonide (see article below) and the dosage is actually based on body surface area as opposed to weight! However, it does seem the dosage is generally no more than 1mg. 3mg is the standard for humans and is typically considered too high for a cat.
Budesonide For Cats: Dosage, Safety & Side Effects - All About Cats