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Generic

Beclomethasone Dipropionate

19 brands available in the market

At a glance

Beclomethasone Dipropionate is an inhaled corticosteroid used for the regular treatment of asthma and COPD. It reduces lung inflammation and airway hyperreactivity without significant systemic side effects.

Description

Beclomethasone Dipropionate is a synthetic halogenated corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory activity. When given by inhalation, it exerts a potent glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory action within the lungs without the side effects observed when steroids are administered systemically.

Beclomethasone controls the rate of protein synthesis, depresses the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and fibroblasts, reverses capillary permeability, and stabilizes lysosomes at the cellular level to prevent or control inflammation. It reduces airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, helping control asthma symptoms.

Common side effects include pharyngitis, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, rhinitis, dysphonia, and sinusitis.

Indications
  • Chronic asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Therapeutic class

Respiratory corticosteroids

Pharmacological class

Inhaled Corticosteroid

Pharmacology

Beclomethasone Dipropionate controls the rate of protein synthesis, depresses the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and fibroblasts, reverses capillary permeability, and stabilizes lysosomes at the cellular level to prevent or control inflammation.

When given by inhalation, it acts locally in the lungs, reducing systemic side effects.

Mechanism of action

Beclomethasone Dipropionate reduces inflammatory cells and mediators in the lungs, decreasing airway inflammation and hyperreactivity. It reduces airway swelling and helps control asthma symptoms.

Dosage

Adults:

  • Chronic asthma management: 100-400 mcg twice daily
  • Asthma prophylaxis: 50-200 mcg twice daily; increase to maximum 400 mcg twice daily if needed

Children (5-12 years):

  • Chronic asthma management: 100-200 mcg twice daily; maximum 200-400 mcg twice daily
  • Asthma prophylaxis: Start with 100 mcg twice daily; may increase to 400 mcg/day in 2-4 divided doses

Children over 12 years: Same as adult dose.

Titrate to the lowest effective dose once symptoms are controlled.

Administration

Follow proper inhaler technique:

  1. Shake the inhaler well
  2. Press the canister while breathing in deeply
  3. Hold breath for 10 seconds
  4. Rinse mouth after use

Prime the inhaler (2 actuations into the air) before first use and after prolonged idleness (>10 days).

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Side effects
  • Pharyngitis (5-27%)
  • Headache (8-25%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (5-11%)
  • Rhinitis (3-7%)
  • Dysphonia (1-4%)
  • Sinusitis (3%)
  • Oral symptoms (2-3%)
  • Nausea (1-2%)
  • Increased asthma symptoms (2-4%)
Precautions & warnings
  • Instruct patients on proper inhaler technique and the prophylactic nature of therapy
  • Use regularly even when asymptomatic
  • Not suitable for acute asthma attacks
  • May reduce growth velocity in pediatric patients
  • Caution during pregnancy and lactation
Contraindications
  • Hypersensitivity to beclomethasone dipropionate or any component
  • Not recommended for children under 6 years
Drug interactions
  • CYP3A4 Inhibitors: May increase plasma beclomethasone concentrations
  • CYP3A4 Inducers: May decrease plasma beclomethasone concentrations
  • Antidiabetic agents: May increase blood glucose concentrations
  • NSAIDs: Possible increased risk of GI ulceration; decreased serum salicylate concentrations
  • Vaccines and Toxoids: May diminish response; may potentiate replication of live attenuated vaccines
Food interactions

No data is found on interaction with food.

Use in pregnancy

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There are no adequate well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown adverse developmental effects. The risk of complications from inadequate asthma control must be balanced against risks from exposure.

Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.

Use in lactation

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There are no data on presence in human milk. Other inhaled corticosteroids have been detected in human milk. Consider the benefits of breastfeeding along with the mother's clinical need.

Pediatric use

Not recommended for children under 6 years. Children 5-12 years: 100-200 mcg twice daily; over 12 years: adult dose. Intranasal corticosteroids may reduce growth velocity in pediatric patients.

Geriatric use

No dose adjustment needed for elderly patients.

Renal / hepatic impairment

Minimal systemic absorption with inhalation, so no dose adjustment needed for renal or hepatic impairment.

Overdose effects

Overdose may cause symptoms of hypercorticism. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

Storage conditions

Store below 30°C, in a dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Chemical structure

Beclomethasone Dipropionate (C₂₈H₃₇ClO₇)

Common questions

What is Beclomethasone Dipropionate?
Beclomethasone Dipropionate is an inhaled corticosteroid used for the treatment of asthma and COPD.
How does this inhaler work?
It reduces lung inflammation, decreases airway hyperreactivity, and helps control asthma symptoms.
What is the dosage?
Adults: 100-400 mcg twice daily; Children (5-12 years): 100-200 mcg twice daily.
How should the inhaler be used?
Shake the inhaler, press the canister while breathing in deeply, hold breath for 10 seconds, and rinse mouth after use.
What are the side effects?
Pharyngitis, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, rhinitis, dysphonia, and sinusitis.
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.