Beclomethasone
Key points
- BECLOMETHASONE (Beclovent®, QVar®, or Vanceril®) is a corticosteroid for treating respiratory problems.
- Beclomethasone is for inhalation through the mouth and into the lungs.
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- Do not use other inhalation aerosols at the same time as beclomethasone unless prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional.
Beclomethasone inhalation aerosol
What is beclomethasone inhalation aerosol? BECLOMETHASONE (Beclovent®, QVar®, or Vanceril®) is a corticosteroid for treating respiratory problems. Beclomethasone therapy helps prevent and control asthma and must be used regularly. Do not confuse this medication with other asthma medications. Beclomethasone will not provide quick, immediate relief if you are having an asthma attack. Generic beclomethasone inhalation aerosols are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I use beclomethasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- cataracts or glaucoma
- Cushing's syndrome
- diabetic
- infection, such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis or chickenpox
- recent surgery or trauma
- an unusual or allergic reaction to beclomethasone, other corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Beclomethasone is for inhalation through the mouth and into the lungs. Follow the directions on the prescription label. As with all inhalers, you should prime the inhaler prior to the first use and in cases where the inhaler has not been used for more than 7-10 days. Prime by 'test-spraying' the inhaler two times into the air, away from the eyes and face.
Be sure to shake the canister well before each use. Breathe out completely. Place the mouthpiece between the open lips, past the teeth. Close lips firmly around the mouthpiece. Press down on the canister one time while breathing in deeply and slowly. When you have finished breathing in, hold your breath for a count of 5 to 10 seconds. Remove the inhaler from your mouth, and then breathe out slowly. If you are using more than one dose, wait a minute between inhalations, shake the inhaler again and repeat the above procedure. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Gargle or rinse your mouth with water after the last dose; do not swallow the water. Do not use more than the recommended dose.
Your pharmacist will give you an information sheet on the use and care of the specific brand (®) of inhaler you are using. Be sure to read this information. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions regarding the use or cleaning of your specific inhaler type.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Beclomethasone inhalations are usually for children 5-6 years of age and older.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
