beclomethasone (inhalation)

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity (product contains alcohol);
Acute attack of asthma/status asthmaticus.

Use Cautiously in:

Active untreated infections;
Diabetes;
Glaucoma;
Underlying immunosuppression (due to disease or concurrent therapy);
Systemic corticosteroid therapy (should not be abruptly discontinued when inhalation therapy is started; additional corticosteroids needed in stress or trauma);
OB: Safety not established in pregnancy;
Lactation: Use while breastfeeding only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential risk to infant;
Pedi: Children <4 yr (safety and effectiveness not established); prolonged or high-dose therapy may lead to complications.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

EENT: cataracts, dysphonia, oropharyngeal fungal infections, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis

Endo: ↓growth (children), adrenal suppression (↑ dose, long-term therapy only)

MS: ↓bone mineral density, back pain

Neuro: headache

Resp: bronchospasm, cough, wheezing

Misc: hypersensitivity reactions

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

None reported.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Inhalation aerosol: 40 mcg/metered inhalation in 10.6-g canister (delivers 120 metered inhalations); 80 mcg/metered inhalation in 10.6-g canister (delivers 120 metered inhalations)

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Inhaln (Adults and Children ≥12 yr): Previously not on inhaled corticosteroid: 40–80 mcg twice daily; may ↑ dose after 2 wk if needed (not to exceed 320 mcg twice daily). Previously on inhaled corticosteroid: 40–320 mcg twice daily (based on strength of previous corticosteroid product) (not to exceed 320 mcg twice daily).
Inhaln (Children 4–11 yr): 40 mcg twice daily; may ↑ dose after 2 wk if needed (not to exceed 80 mcg twice daily).

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Potent, locally acting anti-inflammatory and immune modifier.

Therapeutic effects:

Decreases frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Improves asthma symptoms.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: corticosteroids

Pharmacologic Classification: corticosteroids

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: 20% absorbed following inhalation. Action is primarily local following inhalation.

Distribution: Well distributed to tissues.

Metabolism/Excretion: Primarily converted to beclomethasone 17–monopropionate (active metabolite); primarily excreted in feces (<10% excreted in urine).

Half-Life: 2.8 hr.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(improvement in symptoms)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
Inhalation	within 24 hr	1–4 wk*	unknown

*Improvement in pulmonary function; ↓ airway responsiveness may take longer.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain purpose and side effects of medication. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy.
Advise patient to take missed doses as soon as remembered unless almost time for next dose. Advise patient not to discontinue medication without consulting health care professional; gradual ↓ is required.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult health care professional before taking other medications.
Caution patient never to use beclomethasone for acute symptoms (wheezing, bronchospasm) and to always have fast-acting bronchodilator on hand for treatment of acute symptoms.
Advise patient using inhalation corticosteroids and bronchodilator to use bronchodilator 1st and to wait 5 min before administering corticosteroid, unless otherwise directed by health care professional.
Advise patient to immediately notify health care professional and discontinue beclomethasone if urticaria, angioedema, rash, or paradoxical bronchospasm occurs.
Advise patient to use regular peak flow monitoring to determine respiratory status.
Caution patient to avoid smoking, known allergens, and other respiratory irritants.
Advise patient to notify health care professional if sore throat or mouth occurs.
Instruct patient whose systemic corticosteroids have recently been ↓ or withdrawn to carry a warning card indicating the need for supplemental systemic corticosteroids in the event of stress or severe asthma attack unresponsive to bronchodilators.
Advise patient to have regular eye exams. May ↑ risk for eye disorders (glaucoma, cataracts, blurred vision).
Metered-Dose Inhaler: Instruct patient in the proper use of the metered-dose inhaler. Canister must be primed prior to 1st use. Do this by releasing 2 actuations into air away from face. Canister will remain primed for 10 days. If not used for >10 days, reprime with 2 actuations. Shake inhaler well. Exhale completely and then close lips firmly around mouthpiece. While breathing in deeply and slowly, press down on canister. Hold breath for as long as possible to ensure deep instillation of medication. Remove inhaler from mouth and breathe out gently. Allow 1–2 min between inhalations. Rinse mouth with water or mouthwash after each use to minimize fungal infections, dry mouth, and hoarseness. Clean only the mouthpiece weekly with clean dry tissue or cloth. Do not place in water (see Medication Administration Techniques).
Rep: Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected, or if breastfeeding.

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇