Indicated for: asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Route of administration: inhalation
Substance: beclomethasone (glucocorticoid)
ATC: R03BA01 (Respiratory system | Other drugs for obstructive airway diseases, inhalants | Glucocorticoids)
Use during breastfeeding only on medical advice.
Use during pregnancy only on medical advice.
Beclometasone is a corticosteroid used mainly by inhalation for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sometimes in combinations, and as a nasal spray for allergic rhinitis. It reduces inflammation in the airways or nasal lining, helping control symptoms such as wheezing, cough, blocked nose, sneezing and local swelling.
Administration depends on the form: inhaler, nasal spray or other preparation. In asthma, inhaled beclometasone is a controller treatment and should be used regularly, not only when symptoms appear. It does not rapidly stop an acute breathing attack; the prescribed reliever medicine is used for that. Correct inhaler technique and rinsing the mouth after use are very important.
Side effects may include hoarseness, throat irritation, cough after inhalation, oral thrush, unpleasant taste, nasal dryness, nosebleeds or headache. With high doses and long use, general steroid effects may occur, such as slowed growth in children, adrenal suppression, glaucoma, cataract or increased pneumonia risk in patients with COPD.
Consult a doctor if breathing symptoms worsen, the reliever inhaler is needed more often, breathing difficulty occurs immediately after use, white patches appear in the mouth, nosebleeds persist or vision problems occur. Do not stop treatment suddenly without medical advice. Tell the doctor about infections, pregnancy, breastfeeding and other corticosteroids used.