Budesonide vs Prednisone & Prednisolone: what's the difference?
How Budesonide and Prednisone & Prednisolone compare: what each is for, how it works, side effects and cost, side by side.
Last updated: October 2026 · 2 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Budesonide | Prednisone & Prednisolone | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | Budesonide | Prednisone / prednisolone |
| Brand names | Entocort | Prednis-Tab, Deltasone, PrednisTab |
| For | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Prescription | Prescription | Prescription |
| Used for | A steroid mainly for inflammatory bowel disease when other steroids don't work or aren't tolerated. [1] | Used for inflammation, allergies, immune diseases, Addison's disease and some cancers. [2] |
| How it works | Much of it is broken down by the liver after acting on the gut, so less reaches the rest of the body. [1] | Corticosteroids calm the immune system and reduce inflammation. Cats get prednisolone because they don't convert prednisone well. [2] |
| Common side effects | More appetite, thirst and urination, panting, weight gain and coat changes. [1] | More thirst, urination and appetite. At higher doses or long-term: panting, vomiting, diarrhea and behavior changes. [2] |
| Use with care | Use caution with ulcers, infections or diabetes. [1] | Never stop suddenly after regular use; your vet will taper it. Don't combine with NSAIDs. Long-term use needs rechecks. [2] |
| Full guide | Budesonide guide | Prednisone & Prednisolone guide |
Key differences
On the basics they are alike: same kind of animal, same way to get them. The differences are in how they work and what else they cover, shown in the table above.
Which one is right for my pet?
That is a call for your vet. They weigh your pet's age, weight, other health problems, other medicines and what you can realistically give at home.
Switching from Budesonide to Prednisone & Prednisolone is common, but do it only with your vet's plan.
Common questions
What is the difference between Budesonide and Prednisone & Prednisolone?
Both are steroids used for gut inflammation. Budesonide acts mainly in the gut, so less reaches the rest of the body.
Is Budesonide better than Prednisone & Prednisolone?
Neither is better for every pet. Your vet chooses based on your pet's species, age, health history, other medicines and what you can manage at home.
Can my pet take Budesonide and Prednisone & Prednisolone together?
Only if your vet says so. Some medicines in the same family should not be combined, and others are often used together. Always check before adding or switching.
Do Budesonide and Prednisone & Prednisolone need a prescription?
Budesonide: Yes. It needs a prescription from a veterinarian. Prednisone & Prednisolone: Yes. It needs a prescription from a veterinarian.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.