Beclometasone Inhaler Guide: Dosage, Usage, Side Effects

Beclometasone inhalers, available under brand names such as

Clenil

,

Qvar

, and

Soprobec

, are corticosteroid medications designed to prevent asthma attacks and manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms. Unlike reliever inhalers, these are preventers that reduce airway inflammation over time, improving breathing and reducing flare-ups when used regularly.

About Beclometasone Inhalers

Beclometasone dipropionate is a synthetic glucocorticoid that works by decreasing swelling and irritation in the lungs’ airways. It is inhaled directly to target the lungs with minimal systemic absorption, making it safer than oral steroids for long-term use. These inhalers are prescribed for adults and children over 5 years old with moderate to severe asthma not controlled by short-acting bronchodilators alone.

Common brands include Clenil (metered-dose inhaler), Qvar (breath-actuated RediHaler), and Soprobec (similar aerosol formulation). They come in various strengths, typically 50mcg, 100mcg, 200mcg, or 250mcg per puff, allowing tailored dosing.

When Not to Use Beclometasone Inhalers

Avoid beclometasone inhalers if you have acute asthma attacks, acute bronchospasm, or untreated infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic). They are not for sudden symptom relief—use a reliever inhaler like salbutamol instead. Contraindicated in patients with cataracts, glaucoma, recent chickenpox exposure, or herpes simplex eye infections.

• Acute asthma or bronchospasm: Do not use; seek emergency care.
• Active infections: Tuberculosis, fungal lung infections, or untreated respiratory infections require prior treatment.
• Hypersensitivity: Allergy to beclometasone or excipients.

How and When to Use Beclometasone Inhalers

Use daily, even when feeling well, for optimal effect. It may take 3-7 days to notice improvement, with full benefits in 2-4 weeks. Prime the inhaler before first use or after 14 days without use by shaking and spraying 2 test puffs away from face.

Steps for Metered-Dose Inhaler (e.g., Clenil, Soprobec)

1. Shake well.
2. Exhale fully away from inhaler.
3. Place mouthpiece between lips, forming a tight seal.
4. Inhale slowly and deeply while pressing canister once.
5. Hold breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly.
6. Wait 30-60 seconds between puffs if multiple doses needed.
7. Rinse mouth with water and spit out after use to prevent thrush.

For Breath-Actuated Qvar RediHaler

1. Remove cap and shake if needed.
2. Breathe out fully.
3. Place mouthpiece in mouth and inhale deeply and steadily—the dose releases automatically.
4. Hold breath for 10 seconds.
5. Do not shake between puffs; close cap after use.

Using a

spacer device

improves delivery, reduces mouth/throat side effects, and is recommended for children, elderly, or coordination issues.

Dosage

Dosage varies by age, severity, and inhaler type. Always follow your doctor’s prescription; do not exceed recommended doses to avoid systemic effects.

Age Group	Starting Dose (Adults)	Maintenance Dose	Children (5+)
Mild Asthma	100-200mcg twice daily	100mcg twice daily	50-100mcg twice daily
Moderate	200-400mcg twice daily	200mcg twice daily	100-200mcg twice daily
Severe	400-800mcg twice daily	400mcg twice daily (max)	200-400mcg twice daily

Note: Maximum daily dose for adults is 1000mcg; taper gradually when stopping long-term use. Monitor peak flow; consult doctor if no improvement in 2 weeks.

How to Use with Spacer

Spacers enhance lung deposition by 20-50%, minimizing oral side effects.

1. Shake inhaler, insert into spacer.
2. Exhale fully.
3. Place spacer mouthpiece in mouth, press canister.
4. Inhale slowly (or tidal breathing for young children).
5. Hold breath 10 seconds.
6. Rinse spacer weekly with soapy water; air dry.

Health Information for Patients on High Doses

High doses (>1000mcg/day) or combined with oral steroids increase risks like adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, or growth delay in children. Carry a steroid card; monitor bone density, eye exams annually. Reduce dose gradually under supervision.

Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and local due to low systemic absorption. Serious effects are rare but more likely with high/long-term doses.

Common Side Effects

• Oral thrush: White patches, soreness in mouth/throat. Rinse mouth after use.
• Hoarse voice, sore/dry throat: Use spacer, rinse mouth.
• Cough, runny nose: Usually transient.

Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical help for:

• Adrenal insufficiency: Tiredness, nausea, dizziness, weight loss, mood changes.
• Infection signs: Fever, chills, sore throat, increased phlegm.
• Eye issues: Blurred vision, glaucoma, cataracts.
• Cushing’s syndrome: Moon face, weight gain.
• Paradoxical bronchospasm: Worsening breathing post-inhalation.

Serious Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

Rare; call 999 for swollen lips/tongue, breathing difficulty, blue skin, confusion.

Beclometasone Inhaler and Pregnancy/Breastfeeding

Generally safe in pregnancy (Category B); benefits outweigh risks for asthma control, as uncontrolled asthma harms fetus. Use lowest effective dose. Limited data on breastfeeding, but low systemic levels suggest minimal infant risk—discuss with doctor.

Other Medicines and Beclometasone Inhaler

• Other steroids/HIV antifungals: Increase adrenal suppression risk.
• Beta-blockers: May worsen asthma.
• Vaccines: Live vaccines (e.g., shingles) cautioned on high doses.

Inform doctor of all medications.

Common Questions about Beclometasone Inhaler

Will My Child Need to Use a Beclometasone Inhaler for Long-Term?

Possibly, if asthma persists. Regular review allows dose reduction or stopping if controlled.

Can I Use Beclometasone Inhaler When Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

Yes, under medical advice; asthma control is priority.

Can I Use Beclometasone Inhaler with Other Inhalers?

Yes; use reliever first if needed, wait 1 minute before preventer.

Is It Ok to Use Qvar RediHaler for My Child?

Approved for ages 5+; spacers aid young children.

What If I Use Too Much?

Rarely serious; rinse mouth, monitor for effects, contact doctor.

How to Store Beclometasone Inhaler

Store at room temperature (15-25°C), away from heat/moisture. Do not puncture/expose to fire. Discard after labeled puffs used or expiry date.