Description

Beclometasone Dipropionate is a synthetic glucocorticoid. It has many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. When Beclometasone is inhaled into the lungs, it is absorbed into the cells of the lungs and airways. By preventing the inflammation and excess mucus formation, Beclometasone makes it easier to breathe and helps prevent asthma attacks. Use of Beclometasone inhaler also reduces the potential for side effects occurring in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed into the blood through the lungs is lower than if it is taken by mouth.

Presentation

    Beclocort-100 HFA inhaler: Each puff delivers Beclometasone Dipropionate BP 100 μg.

Indications

    Beclocort HFA inhaler is indicated in the maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in adults and children (5 years of age and above). It is also indicated for asthma patients who require systemic corticosteroid administration, where adding Beclometasone Dipropionate may reduce or eliminate the need for the systemic corticosteroids.
    Beclometasone Dipropionate is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.

Dosage & Administration

    Management of chronic asthma
    Adults & children over 12 years: 100-400 μg twice daily. Maximum 1000 μg twice daily. Children (5-12 years): 100-200 μg twice daily. Maximum 200-400 μg twice daily.
    Prophylaxis of asthma
    Adults & children over 12 years: 50-200 μg twice daily. Increased if necessary to maximum 400 μg twice daily.
    Children (5-12 years): The usual starting dose is 100 μg twice daily. Depending on the severity of asthma, the daily dose may be increased up to 400 μg administered in 2-4 divided doses.
    When patient's symptoms remain under satisfactory control, the dose should be titrated to the lowest dose at which effective control of asthma is maintained.
    Therapy in new patients:
    Mild asthma: 50-100 μg twice daily.
    Moderate asthma: 100-200 μg twice daily.
    Severe asthma: 200-400 μg twice daily.
    When switching a patient with well-controlled asthma from another corticosteroid inhaler, initially a 100 μg puff of Beclocort-100 HFA should be prescribed for- 200-250 μg of Beclometasone Dipropionate (CFC) or Budesonide. 100 μg of Fluticasone Propionate

    When switching a patient with poorly controlled asthma from another corticosteroid inhaler, initially a 100 μg puff of Beclocort-100 HFA should be prescribed for 100 μg of Beclometasone Dipropionate (CFC) or Budesonide or Fulticasone Propionate. The dose of Beclocort HFA inhaler should be adjusted according to response.

Contrainidications

    Beclocort HFA inhaler is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Beclometasone Dipropionate or any other ingredient of Beclometasone this preparation.

Warning & Precautions

    Patients should be instructed to use inhaler properly to ensure that the drug reaches the target areas within the lungs. They should also be made aware of the prophylactic nature of therapy with Beclometasone Dipropionate HFA inhaler and that they should use it regularly, even when they are asymptomatic. Beclometasone dipropionate is not suitable for the treatment of an acute asthma attack.
    Replacement of systemic steroid treatment with inhaled therapy sometimes unmasks allergies such as allergic rhinitis or eczema previously controlled by the systemic drug.

Side effects

    Beclometasone Dipropionate HFA inhaler has been found generally well tolerated. The adverse effects that occurred in a very few patients are headache, pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, rhinitis, sinusitis, pain, back pain, nausea, dysphonia etc. When taking Beclometasone Dipropionate, an occasional incidence of hoarseness and/or a rare occurrence of candidiasis of throat and mouth may occur; patients may find it helpful
    to rinse out their mouth with water after using their inhaler to reduce the risk of candidiasis and hoarseness. Topical anti-fungal therapy can be used for the treatment of candidiasis while continuing treatment with Beclometasone Dipropionate. Special care is necessary in patients with active or quiescent pulmonary tuberculosis.
    As with other inhaled therapy, paradoxical bronchospasm with wheezing may occur immediately after dosing. If it occurs, the preparation should be discontinued immediately and alternate therapy instituted. Systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids may occur, particularly at high doses prescribed for prolonged periods. These may include adrenal suppression, growth retardation, decrease in bone mineral density in children and adolescents etc.

Drug interaction

    Due to the very low plasma concentration achieved after inhaled dosing, clinically significant drug interactions are in general unlikely. Care should be taken when co-administering with known strong CYP 3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, nelfinavir, ritonavir) as there is a potential for increased systemic exposure to

Use in special groups

    Use in Pregnancy:
    There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Beclometasone Dipropionate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
    Use in lactation:
    It is reasonable to assume that Beclometasone Dipropionate is secreted in milk, but at the dosage used for direct inhalation there is low potential for significant level in breast milk.
    The use of Beclometasone Dipropionate in breast-feeding mothers requires that the therapeutic benefits of the drug should be outweighed against the potential hazards to the mother and baby.

Packing

    Beclocort-100 HFA inhaler: Each canister contains 200 puffs.