beclomethasone inhaler, Qvar

GENERIC NAME: beclomethasone inhaler

BRAND NAME: QVAR

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Beclomethasone is an inhaled synthetic steroid used for treating asthma. The naturally-occurring steroid (cortisol or hydrocortisone) is produced in the adrenal glands and has potent anti-inflammatory actions. Some symptoms of asthma are caused by chronic inflammation in the airways within the lungs. When used as an inhaler, beclomethasone directly reaches the airways where it reduces inflammation. Reduced inflammation in the airways improves breathing in patients with asthma. Since very little inhaled beclomethasone is absorbed from the airways and into the body, beclomethasone causes fewer side effects than oral steroids. The FDA approved beclomethasone in May 1976.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Inhaler: 40 and 80 mcg/spray
STORAGE: Beclomethasone should be kept at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F). Temperatures above 49 C (120 F) may cause the container to burst. The container should never be thrown container into a fire or incinerator.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Beclomethasone is used for the control of asthma in patients who require chronic treatment. It often is used in place of oral steroids in order to avoid side effects that may be caused by oral steroids. Beclomethasone is used to prevent attacks of asthma and not to treat acute attacks of asthma since its effects are not immediate. It requires continuous and prolonged use to be effective. Some benefit may be noted as soon as three days after starting treatment, but optimal benefit usually is not seen for two to three weeks.
DOSING: The recommended dose of beclomethasone for adults is 40 to 320 mcg twice daily. Children 5-11 years old are treated with 40 to 80 mcg twice daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no significant drug interactions associated with inhaled beclomethasone.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of beclomethasone in pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether beclomethasone is secreted in breast milk. Other medications in this class of medications are secreted into breast milk, but it is not known whether the small amounts that appear in milk have an effect on the infant.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects include headache, pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat), nausea, and cough. Mild cough or wheezing due to chemical irritation may be minimized by using an inhaled bronchodilator, for example, albuterol (Ventolin), prior to beclomethasone. Oral candidiasis or thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth and throat, occurs more frequently with higher doses. Hoarseness may occur due to chemical irritation. A spacer device attached to the inhaler and washing the mouth with water following each use of beclomethasone reduces the amount of beclomethasone in the mouth and throat, reducing the risk of thrush and hoarseness.