Described herein are topical, non-systemic, slow releasing oral pharmaceutical compositions, methods for making the same, and methods for treating subjects in need thereof with such compositions. In particular, the oral composition provides topical, non-systemic administration of one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients to the oral cavity and upper gastrointestinal track, including the esophagus. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition provides topical corticosteroids to the esophagus and oral cavity.