Beclomethasone Dipropionate
Beclomethasone Dipropionate, steroid drug used to treat breathing problems associated with such disorders as hay fever and asthma. It is especially effective following the surgical removal of polyps (tumorous cell masses) in the nose. Beclomethasone dipropionate works by keeping open the bronchial tubes that lead into the lungs and by reducing inflammation in the tissues of the respiratory tract.
This drug is available by prescription as a nasal spray or as an oral inhalant. It is usually prescribed for adults in doses of two oral inhalations—or one to two nasal sprays—up to four times a day. More severe conditions may require heavier dosages, although the inhalant form should not be used more than 20 times in one day. Children six years old and older can use this drug, although prescribed dosages are usually smaller with ten inhalations per day as the maximum. The drug may take effect within three days but may take as long as two weeks after beginning treatment.
Unlike many inhalant medications and nasal sprays, beclomethasone dipropionate does not provide immediate relief from respiratory difficulties. Instead, it helps control symptoms and may improve the effectiveness of other drugs, particularly inhaled bronchodilators.
Possible side effects may include dry mouth, fungus infections in the mouth or throat, fluid retention, hives, hoarseness, wheezing, or skin rash. The nasal spray form of this drug may additionally cause headache, nausea, nasal irritation or congestion, nosebleed, tearing eyes, sneezing, light-headedness, or infection. Children using this drug should be monitored for potential side effects such as weight gain, increased tendency to bruise, swelling of the face, reduced growth rate, or impaired mental status.
Patients with impaired liver function or a history of tuberculosis should use this drug with caution. Patients starting treatment after taking steroids in tablet form should be closely monitored by a doctor to avoid adrenal insufficiency, a condition in which the body’s steroid levels drop to unhealthy amounts. Patients who have not been vaccinated (see immunization) should avoid exposure to chicken pox and measles, as contracting one of these diseases while taking this drug could prove harmful. Its safety for use by pregnant or nursing women has not been adequately studied. This drug can be combined with most other medications, although use with bronchodilators should be approved by a doctor.
Brand Names: Beclovent, Beconase, Vancenase, Vanceril
This drug is available by prescription as a nasal spray or as an oral inhalant. It is usually prescribed for adults in doses of two oral inhalations—or one to two nasal sprays—up to four times a day. More severe conditions may require heavier dosages, although the inhalant form should not be used more than 20 times in one day. Children six years old and older can use this drug, although prescribed dosages are usually smaller with ten inhalations per day as the maximum. The drug may take effect within three days but may take as long as two weeks after beginning treatment.
Unlike many inhalant medications and nasal sprays, beclomethasone dipropionate does not provide immediate relief from respiratory difficulties. Instead, it helps control symptoms and may improve the effectiveness of other drugs, particularly inhaled bronchodilators.
Possible side effects may include dry mouth, fungus infections in the mouth or throat, fluid retention, hives, hoarseness, wheezing, or skin rash. The nasal spray form of this drug may additionally cause headache, nausea, nasal irritation or congestion, nosebleed, tearing eyes, sneezing, light-headedness, or infection. Children using this drug should be monitored for potential side effects such as weight gain, increased tendency to bruise, swelling of the face, reduced growth rate, or impaired mental status.
Patients with impaired liver function or a history of tuberculosis should use this drug with caution. Patients starting treatment after taking steroids in tablet form should be closely monitored by a doctor to avoid adrenal insufficiency, a condition in which the body’s steroid levels drop to unhealthy amounts. Patients who have not been vaccinated (see immunization) should avoid exposure to chicken pox and measles, as contracting one of these diseases while taking this drug could prove harmful. Its safety for use by pregnant or nursing women has not been adequately studied. This drug can be combined with most other medications, although use with bronchodilators should be approved by a doctor.
Brand Names: Beclovent, Beconase, Vancenase, Vanceril
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