Inhaled corticosteroid Pregnancy: Inadequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy; avoid during pregnancy unless thought essential by the doctor. Corticosteroids can cause foetal abnormalities in animals at high systemic exposure. In breast-feeding, weigh therapeutic benefit against potential hazards.

Beclometasone dipropionate

Brand names: Clenil, Qvar, Fostair (combination)

Beclometasone dipropionate is a synthetic inhaled corticosteroid used as preventer (maintenance) anti-inflammatory therapy for asthma, and in other formulations for allergic rhinitis or, by other routes, inflammatory bowel and skin conditions.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: Two sprays into each nostril twice daily (400 micrograms/day)

Route: Intranasal

Frequency: Twice daily

Max: Total daily administration should not normally exceed eight sprays

Product: Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray (intranasal route only). Adults and children over six years of age. Once control is established, may be possible to maintain with fewer sprays — one spray into each nostril morning and evening has been efficacious in some patients; revert to recommended dosage if symptoms recur. Use the minimum dose that maintains effective control. Regular usage is essential; maximum relief may not be obtained within the first few applications. For children under six years, insufficient clinical data to recommend use.

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients

Side effects

Unpleasant taste, unpleasant smell (common)
Epistaxis, nasal dryness, nasal irritation, throat dryness, throat irritation (common)
Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria, pruritus, erythema (very rare)
Glaucoma, raised intraocular pressure, cataract (very rare)
Nasal septum perforation (very rare)

Interactions

Beclometasone is less dependent on CYP3A metabolism than some other corticosteroids; in general interactions are unlikely

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a potent glucocorticoid that, after local activation, binds glucocorticoid receptors to suppress airway inflammation and reduce bronchial hyper-responsiveness.

Prescribing in practice

Most important: it is a preventer, not a reliever, and must be taken regularly for benefit; it does not relieve an acute attack and patients still need a short-acting bronchodilator.
Different beclometasone inhalers, particularly extra-fine formulations, are not equivalent dose-for-dose, so prescribe by brand and avoid unintended switching.
Use the lowest effective dose to maintain control and review the need for higher doses periodically.

Monitoring

Monitor asthma control, inhaler technique, oral candidiasis, and growth in children on prolonged higher-dose therapy.

Counselling the patient

Rinse the mouth after each dose to reduce thrush and hoarseness.
Keep using it every day even when well, as the protective effect builds up over time.

Evidence & guidelines

Inhaled corticosteroids are the cornerstone preventer therapy for persistent asthma in NICE and GINA guidance.

Reference: NICE NG80; BTS/SIGN; GINA; MHRA Drug Safety Update; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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