Beclometasone metered dose inhaler

Therapeutic action

Steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (inhaled corticosteroid).

Indications

Long-term treatment of chronic asthma, for maintenance and symptomatic treatment, alone or in combination with a beta-2 agonist bronchodilator.

Forms and strengths

Solution or suspension for inhalation in pressurised metered dose inhalers, delivering 50, 100, or 250 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate per puff.

Dosage

Start at the step most appropriate to initial severity. Always try to administer the lowest effective dose.

In all cases, do not exceed 2000 micrograms daily.

Duration

As long as required. Re-evaluate after 2 to 3 months to determine whether doses are adequate or need to be increased or decreased.

Administration technique

• Shake the inhaler and remove the mouthpiece cover.
• Breathe in and breathe out as completely as possible, then place the lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
• Inhale deeply while activating the inhaler, then hold breath for 10 seconds before exhaling.
• If hand-breath coordination is difficult, use a spacer to facilitate administration and improve treatment efficacy.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not administer to patients with untreated respiratory infection.
• May cause throat irritation, hoarseness, and cough at the beginning of treatment; oropharyngeal candidiasis; and adrenal suppression with high doses for prolonged periods.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: no contra-indication.
• When beclometasone is given with salbutamol, preferably use a combination inhaler. If not available, beclometasone should be inhaled right after salbutamol.
• Relief of symptoms may require several days or weeks of continuous therapy.
• Clean the mouthpiece before and after each use.
• Do not pierce or incinerate used aerosol containers because of explosion risk.
• Also comes in a combination metered dose inhaler with formoterol.