Beclometasone Dipropionate

Beclometasone Dipropionate, also spelled beclomethasone dipropionate is a steroid medication. It is available as an inhaler, cream, pills, and nasal spray. The inhaled form is used in the long-term management of asthma. The cream may be used for dermatitis and psoriasis. The pills have been used to treat ulcerative colitis. The nasal spray is used to treat allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps.

Common side effects with the inhaled form include respiratory infections, headaches, and throat inflammation. Serious side effects include an increased risk of infection, cataracts, Cushing’s syndrome, and severe allergic reactions. Long-term use of the pill form may cause adrenal insufficiency. The pills may also cause mood or personality changes. The inhaled form is generally regarded as safe in pregnancy. Beclometasone is mainly a glucocorticoid.

Beclometasone dipropionate was first patented in 1962 and used medically in 1972. It was approved for medical use in the United States in 1976. It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. The wholesale price for an inhaler containing 200 doses of medication is about 3.20 USD as of 2014. In the United States, it costs between 50 and 100 USD for a typical monthly supply of the inhaled form.

Dosage and Administration

Bronchial Asthma

Adults and children 12 y and older: PO Oral inhalation If previous therapy consisted of bronchodilators alone, start with 40 or 80 mcg twice daily (max dose, 320 mcg twice daily); if previous therapy consisted of inhaled corticosteroids, start with 40 to 160 mcg twice daily (max dosage, 320 mcg twice daily).

Children 5 to 11 y of age: PO Oral inhalation If previous therapy consisted of bronchodilators alone or inhaled corticosteroids, start with 40 mcg twice daily (max dosage, 80 mcg twice daily).

Nasal Polyps/Rhinitis

Adults and children 12 y and older: Nasal inhalation 1 or 2 inhalations in each nostril twice daily.

Children 6 to 12 y of age: Nasal inhalation 1 inhalation in each nostril twice daily. Patients not adequately responding or those with more severe symptoms may use 2 inhalations in each nostril twice daily. Once adequate control is achieved, decrease the dose to 1 inhalation in each nostril twice daily. Maximum total daily dosage should not exceed 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily.

Rhinitis

Adults and children 12 y and older: Nasal inhalation 2 sprays in each nostril once daily; max of 4 sprays/day.

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