|
|
| |
Beclomethasone
Beclomethasone
Pronunciation
(be kloe METH a sone)
Brand Names
Beclovent® Oral Inhaler; Beconase AQ® Nasal Inhaler; Beconase® Nasal Inhaler;
Vancenase® AQ 84 mcg; Vancenase® AQ Inhaler; Vancenase® Nasal Inhaler; Vanceril®
84 mcg Double Strength; Vanceril® Oral Inhaler
Canadian/Mexican Brand Names
Aerobec (Mexico); Beclodisk® (Canada); Becloforte® (Canada); Beconase® Aqua
(Mexico); Becotide 100 (Mexico); Becotide 250 (Mexico); Becotide Aerosol
(Mexico); Propaderm® (Canada)
Therapeutic Categories
Anti-inflammatory Agent, Inhalant; Corticosteroid, Inhalant; Corticosteroid,
Intranasal
What is this medicine used for?
Oral inhalation:
- This medicine is used for the treatment of chronic asthma to prevent
attacks. It is not
helpful during an asthma attack. The biggest benefit may be seen after 2 weeks
of the medicine.
Nasal:
- This medicine is used to treat nasal symptoms in patients with allergies.
It is not
helpful during an allergy attack. The biggest benefit may be seen after 1-2
weeks of regular use.
How does it work?
Oral inhalation:
- Beclomethasone prevents and reduces irritation in the airways of the lungs.
Nasal:
- Beclomethasone prevents and reduces irritation and swelling in the
nose.
How is it best taken?
Oral inhalation:
- Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Using the inhaler
the right way is very important.
- There are two types of inhalers: Aerosol and powder with delivery device.
For aerosol, shake well first. If you cannot work the inhaler, ask healthcare
provider for a device called a spacer to help. Children younger than 8 years of
age should use a spacer.
- Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it at a
high dose for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.
Nasal:
- For the nose only. Take at a similar time every day. Shake well first.
- Blow your nose before using.
- Check spray use with healthcare provider at each visit.
- Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it at a
high dose for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your
regular schedule.
- Do not use a double dose or extra doses.
- Do not use this medicine on an as needed basis.
What are the precautions when taking this
medicine?
- Wear disease medical alert identification if you have asthma, lung disease,
are an allergy sufferer, or if you are going to be on this medicine longer than
3-4 weeks.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to
tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about
rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are the common side effects of this
medicine?
Oral inhalation:
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Sore throat, stuffy, runny nose, hoarseness.
- Mouth infection. To prevent, rinse with water after each use.
Nasal:
- Headache. Mild analgesic may help.
- Nasal irritation, burning, and dryness.
What should I monitor?
- If a child is using this medicine, monitor growth carefully.
- Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
immediately
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in
the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of infection (fever greater than 99 degrees, chills, sore throat,
cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores,
wound that will not heal, anal itching or pain).
- Feeling weak, tired, irritable, trembling, having rapid heartbeats,
confusion, sweating, dizzy, especially if you missed a dose or recently stopped
the medicine.
- No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
Oral inhalation:
- Store aerosol at room temperature. Protect from freezing and direct
sunlight.
- Inhaler should be kept at room temperature for best effects.
Nasal:
- Store at room temperature.
General statements
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including
over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
