Beclomethasone

Brand names

• Alti-Beclomethasone
• Apo-Beclomethasone-AQ
• Beclodisk
• Becloforte
• Beclomethasone Nasal Spray
• Beclovent
• Beclovent Rotacaps
• Beclovent Rotahaler
• Beconase AQ Nasal Spray
• Beconase Nasal Inhaler
• Dipropionate
• Dipropionate Inhaler
• Gen-Beclo
• Med-Beclomethasone-AQ
• Nu-Beclomethasone
• Propaderm
• Propaderm-C
• QVAR
• Rivanase
• Vancenase
• Vancenase AQ Nasal Spray
• Vanceril

Usage

To treat bronchial asthma; to treat allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial allergies such as hay fever); to prevent recurrence of nasal polyps after they have been removed surgically.

How it works

Respiratory corticosteroids such as beclomethasone primarily reduce or prevent chronic inflammation of the lining of the airways (the underlying cause of asthma), reduce the allergic response to inhaled allergens, and inhibit the secretion of mucus within airways.

Side effects

Serious

No serious side effects are associated with the use of beclomethasone.

Common

Nasal form: Nosebleeds or bloody nasal secretions, nasal burning or irritation, sore throat. Oral inhalation: Sore throat, white patches in the mouth or throat, hoarseness.

Less common

Eye pain, watering eyes, gradual decrease of vision, stomach pain and digestive disturbances.

Possible interactions

Other medicaments:

The following medicaments may increase the effects of beclomethasone:

• some antiepileptic medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin)-may increase risk of osteoporosis.
• flunisolide (Nasalide).
• inhalant bronchodilators-epinephrine, isoetharine, isoproterenol.
• oral bronchodilators-aminophylline, ephedrine, terbutaline, theophylline, etc.

Beclomethasone taken concurrently with:



• alendronate (Fosamax) may help prevent steroid induced osteoporosis.

Herbal medicines or minerals:

Fir or pine needle oil should not be used by asthmatics. Ephedra alone does carry a German Commission E monograph indication for asthma treatment. If you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (aster, chrysanthemum, daisy or ragweed), you may also be allergic to Echinacea, chamomile, feverfew and St. John's wort. Talk to your doctor before adding it to any medicines that you already take.

Tobacco smoking:

Smoking can reduce the benefits of this medicament.

Occurrence of unrelated illness:

Acute infections, serious injuries and surgery can create an urgent need for cortisone-related medicaments. Call your doctor immediately in the event of new illness or injury.

Discontinuation:

If this medicament has made it possible to reduce or stop ongoing cortisone like medicaments, do not stop this medicament abruptly. If you must stop this medicament, call your doctor. You may need to resume cortisone medicines.