Return to Common Drugs Index
beclomethasone dipropionate
Beclodisk†, Becloforte Inhaler‡, Beclovent, Beclovent Rotacaps†, Vanceril

Pregnancy Risk Category C

How supplied
Oral inhalation aerosol:
42 mcg/metered spray, 50 mcg/metered spray‡

Action
Unknown. May decrease inflammation by decreasing the number and activity of inflammatory cells, inhibiting bronchoconstrictor mechanisms producing direct smooth-muscle relaxation, and decreasing airway hyperresponsiveness.

Indications & dosage
Chronic asthma--

Adults and children ages 12 and older:
2 inhalations t.i.d. or q.i.d.; or 4 inhalations b.i.d. Maximum dose is 20 inhalations daily (840 mcg).
Children ages 6 to 12:
1 to 2 inhalations t.i.d. or q.i.d.; or 2 to 4 inhalations b.i.d. Maximum dose is 10 inhalations daily (420 mcg).

Adverse reactions
EENT:
hoarseness, fungal infection of throat, throat irritation.
GI:
dry mouth, fungal infection of mouth.
Respiratory: bronchospasm,
wheezing, cough.
Other:
angioedema, hypersensitivity reactions, suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function, adrenal insufficiency, facial edema.

Interactions
None significant.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug or its ingredients (fluorocarbons, oleic acid) and in those with status asthmaticus.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

Return to Common Drugs Index