beclomethasone dipropionate
Beconase, Beconase AQ, Vancenase, Vancenase AQ
Pregnancy Risk Category C
How supplied
Nasal aerosol: 42 mcg/metered spray, 50 mcg/metered spray‡
Nasal spray: 42 mcg/metered spray, 50 mcg/metered spray‡, 84 mcg/metered spray
Action
A corticosteroid that decreases nasal inflammation, mainly by stabilizing leukocyte lysosomal membranes.
Indications & dosage
Relief of symptoms of seasonal or perennial rhinitis, prevention of recurrence of nasal polyps after surgical removal--
Adults and children over age 12: usual dosage is 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril, b.i.d., t.i.d., or q.i.d.
Children ages 6 to 12: 1 spray into each nostril t.i.d.
Adverse reactions
CNS: headache.
EENT: mild transient nasal burning and stinging, nasal congestion, sneezing, burning, stinging, dryness, epistaxis, nasopharyngeal fungal infections.
Interactions
None significant.
Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug and in those with untreated localized infection involving the nasal mucosa.
Nursing considerations
- Use cautiously, if at all, in patients with active or quiescent respiratory tract tuberculous infections or untreated fungal, bacterial, or systemic viral or ocular herpes simplex infections. Also use cautiously in patients who have recently had nasal septal ulcers, nasal surgery, or trauma.
- Observe patient for fungal infections.
- Drug isn't effective for acute exacerbations of rhinitis. Decongestants or antihistamines may be needed.
- Alert:
Don't confuse Vancenase with Vanceril.
Patient teaching
- To instill, instruct patient to shake container before use, to blow nose to clear nasal passages, and to tilt head slightly forward and insert nozzle into nostril, pointing away from septum. Tell him to hold other nostril closed and then to inspire gently and spray. Next, have him shake container and repeat in other nostril.
- Advise patient to pump nasal spray three or four times before first use, and once or twice before first use each day. The cap and nosepiece of the activator should be cleaned in warm water every day, then allowed to air-dry.
- Advise patient to use drug regularly, as prescribed, because its effectiveness depends on regular use.
- Explain that drug's therapeutic effects, unlike those of decongestants, aren't immediate. Most patients achieve benefit within a few days, but some may need 2 to 3 weeks.
- Warn patient not to exceed recommended dosage because of risk of
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression.
- Tell patient to notify doctor if symptoms don't improve within 3 weeks or if nasal irritation persists.
- Teach patient good nasal and oral hygiene.
*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