Beclomethasone

What is Beclomethasone?

Beclomethasone is a type of steroid used for respiratory problems, including relief of symptoms of bronchial asthma and hay fever, and to prevent re-growth of nasal polyps following surgical removal.

What is the most important information I should know about Beclomethasone?

Beclomethasone does not quickly open airways and it should not be used for relief of asthma when other bronchodilators and other nonsteroidal drugs prove ineffective. Do not expect immediate relief from beclomethasone and do not take higher doses in an attempt to make it work. It will help control symptoms when taken routinely.

Who should not take Beclomethasone?

Do not use beclomethasone nasal products if you have recently had nasal ulcers, nose surgery, or an injury to the hose.

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to beclomethasone or to other steroid drugs.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Beclomethasone?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with beclomethasone. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are using oral steroids, have a condition called adrenal insufficiency, have increased eye pressure due to glaucoma, liver disease, underactive thyroid, if you have tuberculosis, a herpes infection of the eye, or any untreated fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Beclomethasone Oral Inhalant

Adults And Children 12 Years Of Age And Older: The usual dose is 2 inhalations taken 3-4 times a day. If you have severe asthma, your doctor may advise you to start with 12-16 inhalations a day. Do not exceed 20 inhalations a day.

For the double-strength inhalation aerosol, the usual dose is 2 inhalations twice a day. If your asthma is severe, your doctor may have you start with 6-8 inhalations a day. The maximum daily dosage is 10 inhalations.

Beclomethasone Nasal Inhalation

The usual dose is 1 inhalation in each nostril 2-4 times a day. A 3-times-daily schedule is often sufficient.

Belcomethasone Nasal Spray

The usual dose is 1 or 2 inhalations in each nostril 2-4 times a day, depending on the brand. For the double strength nasal spray, the dosage is 1 or 2 inhalations in each nostril once a day.

Beclomethasone Oral Inhalant

Children 6 To 12 Years Of Age: The usual recommended dose is 1 or 2 inhalations 3 or 4 times a day. Do not exceed 10 inhalations daily.

For the double-strength inhalation aerosol, the usual dose is 2 inhalations twice daily, with a maximum of 5 inhalations a day.

Beclomethasone Nasal Inhalation

The usual dose is 1 inhalation 3 times a day.

Beclomethasone Nasal Spray

The usual dose is 1 inhalation in each nostril 2 times a day. Some children may need 2 inhalations in each nostril twice daily until adequate control is achieved and then decrease to 1 inhalation in each nostril twice daily. The maximum dose is 2 inhalations in each nostril 2 times a day.

The dosage for the double strength nasal spray is 1 or 2 inhalations in each nostril once a day.

How should I take Beclomethasone?

Beclomethasone is prescribed in an oral inhalant or nasal spray form. Use beclomethasone only as preventive therapy and take only the dose prescribed.

It may take 1 or 2 weeks for the benefits to appear. If there is no improvement in symptoms after 3 weeks, let your doctor know.

Take this drug regularly even if you have no symptoms. Many people need multiple drugs to control asthma symptoms completely, but beclomethasone may allow other drugs to be used in smaller doses.

If you are also using a bronchodilator inhalant, take it before inhaling beclomethasone. This will improve the effect of the second drug. Take the 2 inhalations several minutes apart.

Spray the inhalation aerosol into the air 2 times before you use it for the first time and if you have not used it for more than 7 days. Use it within 6 months.

Before you use the nasal spray, press the pump 6 times or until you see a fine spray. If you don't use it for more than 4 days, reprime the pump by spraying once or until a fine spray appears.

To use the inhaler:

1. Remove the cap and hold inhaler upright.
2. Shake the inhaler thoroughly.
3. Drink some water to moisten the throat.
4. Breathe out as fully as you comfortably can. Hold the inhaler upright and close your lips around the mouthpiece, keeping your tongue below it.
5. While pressing down on the can, inhale deeply and slowly. Hold your breath as long as you can.
6. Take your finger off the can, remove the inhaler, and breathe out gently.
7. Allow at least 1 minute between inhalations.

Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each dose to help prevent hoarseness and throat irritation. Do not swallow the water after you rinse.

What should I avoid while taking Beclomethasone?

Avoid contact with the eyes. Do not exceed recommended dosage. If you have not had chickenpox or measles, avoid exposure.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Beclomethasone?

If beclomethasone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Always check with your doctor before combining beclomethasone with any other drugs, herbs, or supplements.

What are the possible side effects of Beclomethasone?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: altered or unpleasant taste and smell, headache, lightheadedness, nausea, nose or throat irritation

Less common side effects may include: allergic reactions, breathing problems, mouth or throat infections, nose infection, sore mouth or throat, skin wasting

Notify your doctor if you experience symptoms such as mental disturbances, increased bruising, weight gain, facial swelling (moon face), acne, menstrual irregularities, increased pressure in the eyes, or cataracts.

Can I receive Beclomethasone if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of beclomethasone during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Beclomethasone?

Take it as soon as you remember and take the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. If it is time for your next dose, skip the one you missed. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Beclomethasone?

Store at room temperature in a dry place, away from heat and cold. Do not puncture the container, store it near an open flame, or dispose of it in a fire or incinerator.