Medications and Drugs
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).
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 3/22/1999
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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