Beclomethasone is a corticosteroid. Its action is based on the reduction of the swelling of the airways.
What is Beclomethasone?
The beclomethasone is used in cases of asthma and other lung disorders to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing as well as chest tightness.
It can also be used to prevent symptoms of allergies (sneezing, itching, runny nose and nasal congestion) and to reduce nasal polyps or prevent nasal polyps from returning after surgical removal.
How should Beclomethasone be taken?
Beclomethasone can be administered by inhalation in the form of aerosols or solution to be inhaled through the nose. The dosage generally varies between 2 and 4 administrations per day. Prior to intake it is required to blow your nose to clear the passage to the airways; while after intake you must instead avoid blowing the nose for 15 minutes.
Another mode of administration is an oral approach, always in the form of aerosols. In this case the dose is also typically between 2 and 4 administrations per day.
In the case of simultaneous treatment with a bronchodilator, beclomethasone must be taken several minutes after the administration of the bronchodilator, so that it can reach very deep into the lungs.
Side effects associated with Beclomethasone
Beclomethason intake through the nose may cause headaches, nasal dryness or irritation, sore throat, sneezing, epistaxis; while if taken through the mouth beclomethasone can dry or irritate the mouth and throat and trigger coughing as well as difficulty or pain in speaking.
It is important to contact your doctor if the treatment causes any of the following symptoms:
- Increased difficulty breathing
- Appearance of white patches or sores in the mouth
- Muscle weakness
- Swelling of face, ankles or calves
- Poor eyesight
- Cold or persistent infections
- Skin rash
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Beclomethasone
Beclomethasone should not be used during a sudden attack of asthma. Moreover, prior to intake it is also important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance or any other drug
- You are taking other medications and herbal remedies and supplements, especially anticoagulants, arthritis medications, aspirin, cyclosporine, digoxin, diuretics, estrogen, ketoconazole, oral contraceptives, phenobarbital, fenitonin, rifampin, theophylline and vitamins
- You have any nasal or fungal infections (which do not concern the skin)
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from tuberculosis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, ocular herpes, seizures, ulcers as well as liver, kidney, intestinal, cardiac or psychiatric diseases
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
However, during treatment it is important to inform the doctor of any suspected presence of an infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, muscle aches and change in consistency or color of sputum) and remember that the equipment for the inhalation should be cleaned, and in some cases replaced regularly.
In case of intranasal intake it is also recommended to avoid exposure to chickenpox and measles; In fact, the drug increases sensitivity to their infection. Finally, it is important not to undergo any vaccinations without first discussing them with your doctor.
