Beclomethasone (Systemic, Oral Inhalation)

Class: Adrenals
VA Class: NT200
Molecular Formula: C₂₈H₃₇ClO₇
CAS Number: 5534-09-8
Brands: QVAR

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 7, 2022. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Synthetic corticosteroid; minimal mineralocorticoid activity.

Uses for Beclomethasone (Systemic, Oral Inhalation)

Asthma

Used for the long-term prevention of bronchospasm in patients with asthma.

Should not be used in the treatment of nonasthmatic bronchitis.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Efficacy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g., bronchitis)† who are stabilized with oral corticosteroids or whose disease is corticosteroid responsive remains to be fully evaluated.

Inflammatory Conditions of the GI Tract

Has been used as an oral solution or rectal suspension (these dosage forms not commercially available in the US) in the management of inflammatory diseases of the GI tract† (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease†, eosinophilic gastroenteritis†). However, the role of beclomethasone dipropionate in the management of inflammatory conditions of the GI tract remains to be established.

Beclomethasone (Systemic, Oral Inhalation) Dosage and Administration

General

• Adjust dosage carefully according to individual requirements and response.

• After a satisfactory response is obtained, decrease dosage gradually to the lowest dosage that maintains an adequate clinical response. Achieve the lowest effective dosage, particularly in children, since inhaled corticosteroids have the potential to affect growth. (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)

Conversion to Orally Inhaled Therapy in Patients Receiving Systemic Corticosteroids

• When switching from systemic corticosteroids to orally inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate, ...