Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: beclomethasone inhaler
BRAND NAME: QVAR
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Beclomethasone is an inhaled synthetic
steroid used for treating asthma. The naturally-occurring steroid (cortisol or
hydrocortisone) is produced in the adrenal glands and has potent
anti-inflammatory actions. Some symptoms of asthma are caused by chronic
inflammation in the airways within the lungs. When used as an inhaler,
beclomethasone directly reaches the airways where it reduces inflammation.
Reduced inflammation in the airways improves breathing in patients with asthma.
Since very little inhaled beclomethasone is absorbed from the airways and into
the body, beclomethasone causes fewer side effects than oral steroids. The FDA
approved beclomethasone in May 1976.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Inhaler: 40 and 80 mcg/spray
STORAGE: Beclomethasone should be kept at room temperature, 15-30 C
(59-86 F). Temperatures above 49 C (120 F) may cause the container to burst. The
container should never be thrown container into a fire or incinerator.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Beclomethasone is used for the control of asthma in
patients who require chronic treatment. It often is used in place of oral
steroids in order to avoid side effects that may be caused by oral steroids.
Beclomethasone is used to prevent attacks of asthma and not to treat acute
attacks of asthma since its effects are not immediate. It requires continuous
and prolonged use to be effective. Some benefit may be noted as soon as three
days after starting treatment, but optimal benefit usually is not seen for two
to three weeks.
DOSING: The recommended dose of beclomethasone for adults is 40 to 320
mcg twice daily. Children 5-11 years old are treated with 40 to 80 mcg twice
daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no significant drug interactions
associated with inhaled beclomethasone.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of beclomethasone in
pregnant
women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether beclomethasone is secreted in
breast milk. Other medications in this class of medications are secreted into
breast milk, but it is not known whether the small amounts that appear in milk
have an effect on the infant.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects include headache, pharyngitis
(inflammation of the throat), nausea, and
cough. Mild cough or wheezing due to
chemical irritation may be minimized by using an inhaled bronchodilator, for
example, albuterol (Ventolin), prior to beclomethasone. Oral candidiasis or
thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth and throat, occurs more frequently with
higher doses. Hoarseness may occur due to chemical irritation. A spacer device
attached to the inhaler and washing the mouth with water following each use of
beclomethasone reduces the amount of beclomethasone in the mouth and throat,
reducing the risk of thrush and hoarseness.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 3/11/2009
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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