Beclomethasone

High doses of steroids can suppress your immune system. When beclomethasone is used nasally, your chances of developing nose and throat infections increase. Also take extra care to avoid exposure to measles or chickenpox if you have never had them or never had shots. These infections can be serious or even fatal if your immune system is below par. If you are exposed, seek medical advice immediately.

Symptoms such as mental disturbances, increased bruising, weight gain, facial swelling (moon face), acne, menstrual irregularities, increased pressure in the eyes, and cataracts may occur with steroids. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. If you've ever had cataracts or increased eye pressure, your doctor will monitor you closely if you have any problems with your vision.

Long-term use of steroids can slow down growth in children. If your child seems to be growing more slowly than normal, call your doctor.

If bronchodilator medications seem less effective after you start taking beclomethasone, be sure to tell your doctor. Do not abruptly stop using beclomethasone on your own.

If you have tuberculosis, a herpes infection of the eye, or any untreated fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, your doctor may not want you to use an inhaled steroid.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of beclomethasone in pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, let your doctor know. Steroids do appear in breast milk and could harm your baby. Your doctor may want you to avoid breastfeeding while you are using beclomethasone.

Recommended dosage for Beclomethasone

ADULTS

Beclomethasone Oral Inhalant

The usual recommended dose for adults and children 12 years of age and over is 2 inhalations taken 3 to 4 times a day. Four inhalations taken twice daily have been shown to be effective in some people. If you have severe asthma, your doctor may advise you to start with 12 to 16 inhalations a day. Daily intake should not exceed 20 inhalations.