Here's the reasuring blurb from Hale's 2000 edition at p. 83), although it
does discuss this medication as a nasal spray, and not an oral medication:

"Budesonide is a new and potent corticosteroid primarily used intranasally
for allergic rhinitis.  As such, the systemic bioavailability is minimal
with less than 20% of the intranasal dose ever reaching systemic
circulation. *1*  Once absorbed systemically budenoside is a weak systemic
steroid and should not be used to replace other steroids.  In one 5 year
study of children aged 2-7 years, no changes in linear growth, weight and
bone age were noted. *2*  Adrenal suppression at these doses is extremely
remote.  Using normal doses, it is unlikely that clinically relevant
concentrations of budenoside would ever reach the milk, nor be systemically
bioavailable to a breastfed infant.
Pregnancy Risk:  C
Lactation Risk Category:  L3 [moderately safe]
T1/2=2.8 hours
PK=2-4 hours (oral)
MW=430
Vd=4.3
Oral=10.7% (oral)
References:  (1) Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Package Insert, 1999
(2)  Volovitz B, Amir J, Malik H et al.: Growth and pituitary-adrenal
function in children with severe asthma treated with inhaled budenoside.  N
Engl J Med 329:1703-1708, 1993."

Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC
Wyndmoor, PA, USA

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