If your veterinarian has prescribed budesonide for your dog or cat, Mixwell Compounding Pharmacy in Chino, CA can prepare a custom flavored oral suspension — making it easier to give the right dose to pets who won't take pills, especially small animals who need precise, weight-based dosing.
Why pet owners love suspensions: No more hiding pills in food or wrestling with your pet at medication time. A flavored liquid suspension can be measured precisely to your pet's weight and given by syringe — taking the stress out of daily dosing for both you and your animal.
What Is Budesonide & Why Vets Prescribe It
Budesonide is a glucocorticoid corticosteroid that veterinarians use to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It is a locally acting corticosteroid prescribed to help manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and some types of colitis in cats and dogs. While it is not a cure for IBD, it has been used to aid in symptom control.
Because of its low systemic bioavailability and high first-pass hepatic metabolism, budesonide acts largely at the site of delivery in the gut — concentrating its anti-inflammatory effect locally. Veterinarians may consider it for dogs and cats that do not tolerate the side effects of other oral steroids, such as prednisolone.
Conditions Budesonide May Be Prescribed For
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The most common use — helps reduce GI inflammation that causes chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss in dogs and cats.
Colitis
Used for inflammation of the colon, including lymphocytic-plasmacytic and certain other colitis types.
Chronic enteropathies
Other chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract, as determined by your veterinarian.
Other inflammatory conditions
Some veterinarians prescribe budesonide for additional inflammatory or respiratory conditions based on individual clinical judgment.
Why a Compounded Suspension?
Commercial budesonide is manufactured primarily for humans as an enteric-coated capsule. This creates two challenges for pets:
Commercial human budesonide
- Fixed capsule strengths designed for adult humans
- Often too large a dose for small pets
- Enteric coating designed for human gut pH
- Hard to give to pets who resist pills
Compounded suspension (Mixwell)
- Custom strength to your pet's exact weight
- Flavored liquid — easier acceptance
- Precise syringe dosing, easily adjustable
- Formulated for veterinary administration
Because commercial human formulations may not provide suitable strengths for small pets, a compounded suspension gives veterinarians flexible options for dosing and administration. Mixwell compounds to the exact strength and base your veterinarian prescribes.
Available Compounded Dosage Forms
Flavored suspensions are designed for stress-free dosing that pets are more likely to accept. Your veterinarian specifies the strength, base, and any flavoring. Common flavor options for pets include chicken, beef, fish, and other palatable bases — ask our pharmacist about availability.
What the Research Indicates
Published veterinary research has examined budesonide for canine chronic inflammatory enteropathy. In a prospective study by Dye et al. (2013) in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, budesonide was associated with clinical improvement in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease, with a tolerability profile that supported its consideration as an alternative for patients sensitive to systemic corticosteroids.
It is important to note that the use of budesonide for gastrointestinal conditions in animals is generally considered an "off-label" use — meaning a drug manufacturer has not sought FDA approval for this specific use in animals. Off-label prescribing is a common and accepted practice in veterinary medicine, made at the discretion of the prescribing veterinarian.
Mixwell compounds budesonide based on a valid prescription from your licensed veterinarian, who determines whether this medication is right for your pet.
Prescription required. Compounded budesonide is not an FDA-approved product. Compounded medications are prepared on an individual basis to suit a specific patient's needs based on a prescription. A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required. Your veterinarian determines whether this medication is right for your pet.
Side Effects & Storage
Potential side effects associated with budesonide may include increased appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, and changes in hair coat. Some animals can be sensitive or allergic to the medication. Always report any concerning changes to your veterinarian.
Store budesonide according to the instructions on your prescription label — typically in a tightly closed container protected from moisture and light, and out of reach of children and pets. Many suspensions should be shaken well before each use. Always confirm storage and administration instructions on your label.
How to Get Your Pet's Prescription Filled
- Have your veterinarian diagnose your pet's condition and write a prescription for compounded budesonide suspension — including strength, base, flavor, and dosing instructions.
- Your veterinarian faxes or sends the prescription to Mixwell Compounding Pharmacy in Chino, CA.
- Call (909) 378-7301 to confirm formulation details, flavor options, and current turnaround time.
- Pick up at our Chino pharmacy or ask about delivery options for your area.
Serving Pet Owners & Veterinary Practices Across Southern California
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my pet need a prescription for compounded budesonide?
Yes. Budesonide is a prescription medication. A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required before Mixwell can compound or dispense it for your pet.
Can budesonide suspension be flavored for my dog or cat?
Yes. Flavored suspensions are designed to improve acceptance and reduce dosing stress. Common options include chicken, beef, and fish flavors. Ask our pharmacist about available flavors when you call.
Why would my vet choose budesonide over prednisone?
Budesonide acts largely at the site of inflammation in the gut with high first-pass metabolism, which means lower systemic steroid exposure. Veterinarians may prefer it for pets that do not tolerate the side effects of systemic steroids like prednisolone. Your veterinarian determines the best choice for your pet.
What strengths can Mixwell compound?
We compound to the exact strength on your veterinarian's prescription. Suspension strengths such as 1 mg/mL are common, but we prepare whatever your vet prescribes based on your pet's weight and condition.
How should I store the suspension?
Follow the storage instructions on your prescription label. Suspensions typically require a tightly closed container protected from light and moisture, and many should be shaken well before each use. Confirm specifics with our pharmacist.
Does Mixwell accept insurance?
Mixwell Compounding Pharmacy does not accept insurance. Call (909) 378-7301 for current pricing information.
How long does compounding take?
Most suspension formulations are ready within 1–3 business days. Call us for current turnaround times.
Mixwell Compounding Pharmacy
13788 Roswell Ave, Ste 158 · Chino, CA 91710
PCCA Member · CA Licensed · USP <795> · Veterinary Rx Welcome · No Insurance
📞 Call (909) 378-7301References: Dye TL, Diehl KJ, Wheeler SL, Westfall DS. Randomized, controlled trial of budesonide and prednisone for the treatment of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2013;27(6):1385-1391. | Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 9th ed. Wiley-Blackwell. | Tolbert MK, Gould EN. Budesonide and other corticosteroids in feline and canine inflammatory gastrointestinal disease. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. | This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Reviewed by Mixwell Compounding Pharmacy licensed pharmacist team, Chino, CA.