Beclomethasone

Brand names: Beclovent, Beconase AQ Nasal Spray, Beconase Inhalation Aerosol, Qvar Inhalation Aerosol, Vancenase AQ Nasal Spray and Double Strength Nasal Spray, Vancenase Nasal Inhaler and PocketHaler Nasal Inhaler, Vanceril Inhalation Aerosol and Double Strength Inhalation Aerosol, Vanceril Inhaler

Why is Beclomethasone prescribed?

Beclomethasone is a type of steroid used for respiratory problems. Beclovent and Vanceril are prescribed for the prevention of recurring symptoms of bronchial asthma.

Beconase and Vancenase are used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and to prevent regrowth of nasal polyps following surgical removal.

Most important fact about Beclomethasone

Beclomethasone is not a bronchodilator medication (it does not quickly open the airways); and it should not be used for relief of asthma when bronchodilators and other nonsteroid drugs prove effective. Do not expect immediate relief from beclomethasone, and do not take higher doses in an attempt to make it work. It is not intended for rapid relief, but it will help control symptoms when taken routinely.

How should you take Beclomethasone?

Beclomethasone is prescribed in an oral inhalant or a nasal spray form. Use this medication only as preventive therapy, and take only the dose prescribed.

Although some people begin to notice improvement within a day or two, it may take 1 or 2 weeks for the full benefits to appear. If there's no improvement after 3 weeks, let your doctor know.

If you are already taking a steroid in tablet form for asthma, you'll need to make a gradual transition to the oral inhalant. During the first week, you'll probably take the usual number of tablets. After that, you'll be instructed to slowly reduce the number of tablets, replacing them with the inhalant.

Be sure to take the drug regularly, even if you have no symptoms. Many people will require additional drugs to control asthma symptoms fully, but this drug may allow other drugs to be used in smaller doses.