Beclomethasone is used to prevent and treat seasonal and
year-round allergy symptoms (such as stuffy/runny nose, itchy
eyes/nose/throat, sneezing). It may be used to treat symptoms (such as
stuffy/runny nose) caused by other triggers (such as cigarette smoke,
perfumes). It is also used to prevent the return of growths in the nose
(nasal polyps) after removal by surgery. Beclomethasone belongs to a class
of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling
(inflammation) in the nasal passages.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your
pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a
refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this
medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Use this medication in the nose as directed by your
doctor, usually 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day. Avoid spraying
this medication in your eyes. Gently blow your nose before using this drug.
Shake the container well before each use. Follow the instructions to
properly prime the spray pump.
To use the spray, first remove the safety clip and
plastic cap. Close one nostril by pressing it with your finger. Tilt your
head slightly forward and, keeping the bottle upright, carefully insert the
nasal applicator into the other nostril. Press down firmly on the pump to
deliver the prescribed number of sprays. Do not spray directly onto the
middle wall of your nose (nasal septum). Breathe in gently through your
nose and out through your mouth. Repeat in the other nostril. Wipe the
applicator tip and replace the plastic cap and safety clip. Avoid blowing
your nose for 15 minutes after using this medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Younger children may need a smaller dose and help
from an adult to use this medication properly. Use this medication
regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember,
use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose or use it more
often than directed.
This medication does not work right away. Some people
will feel this medication working within 3 days, but it may take up to 2
weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Ask your doctor or
pharmacist if you should also use other medications (such as nose
drops/spray, allergy drugs taken by mouth) along with this drug until it
takes full effect.
Keep track of the number of sprays used from the bottle.
Discard the bottle after you have used the number of sprays specified on
the manufacturer's package. Do not pour any remaining medication into
another container. Follow the package instructions to unblock the spray tip
if needed and to clean the spray bottle.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
after 3 weeks or if it gets worse.
Nose/throat dryness or irritation, sneezing, nosebleeds,
nausea, and unpleasant taste/smell may occur. If any of these side effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- loss of taste or smell
- pain/sores in your nose
Rarely, it is possible that corticosteroids given in the
nose will be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects
of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children
and people who use this medication for a long time and in high doses. Tell
your doctor right away if any of the following side effects
occur:
- unusual/extreme tiredness
- weight loss
- headache
- swelling ankles/feet
- increased thirst/urination
- vision problems
Corticosteroids may weaken the body's ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. This effect might also
rarely occur with corticosteroids inhaled through the nose (such as
beclomethasone). The risk may be increased if high doses are used,
especially when used for a long time. Tell your doctor right away if you
have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, ear
pain, fever, chills, white patches inside the nose or on the back of the
throat).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- wheezing/trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using nasal beclomethasone, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- eye problems (such as glaucoma, cataracts)
- infections (including tuberculosis)
- recent nose problems (such as injury, ulcers, surgery)
Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may
easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your
doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more
details.
Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time
can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress.
Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious
illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this
medication or have used this medication within the past few
months.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily
slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor
regularly so your child's height can be checked.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Check all prescription medicine labels carefully since
similar medications (other corticosteroids such as prednisone) may increase
your risk of side effects if taken together with this drug. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist if you have any questions about your
medications.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you use this medication for a long time, lab and/or
medical tests (such as nose exams, height measurement in children) may be
done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Avoid substances (such as pollen, pet dander, dust
mites, mold, and smoke) that can worsen allergy symptoms.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature with the safety clip and
protective cap in place. Keep container upright. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.