GENERIC NAME: beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler/spray

BRAND NAME: Vancenase; Beconase; Beconase AQ; Vancenase AQ; Vancenase AQ DS Beconase AQ

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Beclomethasone is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family. (The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid that is produced by the adrenal gland is cortisol or hydrocortisone.) Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as a nasal inhaler or spray, the medication goes directly to the lining of the nose, and very little is absorbed into the body.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PREPARATIONS: Aerosol or spray units contain 42 mcg/inhalation or spray except for Vancenase AQ DS which contains 84 mcg/inhalation

STORAGE: Beclomethasone should be kept at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F). It should be shaken well before each use.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Beclomethasone nasal inhalers and sprays are used for the relief of symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Rhinitis is a condition in which the lining (mucus membranes) of the nose swells and fluid is released (a "runny nose").

DOSING: The usual dose for the inhalers (Beconase, Vancenase) is one inhalation in each nostril two to four times each day. Some patients may do well with lower doses, and some require higher doses. The usual dose for the nasal sprays (Beconase AQ, Vancenase AQ, Vancenase AQ DS) is one or two sprays in each nostril two to four times each day.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: No drug interactions have been described with nasal beclomethasone.

PREGNANCY: There does not appear to be any increased risk of malformations in children born to mothers exposed to beclomethasone during pregnancy. Additionally, no dependency on the drug develops, and there are no withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if beclomethasone is secreted in breast milk. Other medications in this class are secreted into breast milk. It is not known whether the small amounts that may appear in the milk are of any consequence to the infant.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associated with nasal beclomethasone are nasal irritation (occurring in about 1 in 10 persons), sneezing (1 in 10), and, occasionally, a bloody discharge from the nose (about 1 in 50 persons).

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Last Editorial Review: 3/22/1999