Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Beclomethasone is a synthetic steroidof the glucocorticoid family. (The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid thatis produced by the adrenal gland is cortisol or hydrocortisone.)Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When usedas a nasal inhaler or spray, the medication goes directly to the lining ofthe nose, and very little is absorbed into the body.

PREPARATIONS: Aerosol or spray units contain 42 mcg/inhalationor spray except for Vancenase AQ DS which contains 84 mcg/inhalation

STORAGE: Beclomethasone should be kept at room temperature,15-30°C (59-86°F). It should be shaken well before each use.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Beclomethasone nasal inhalers and sprays areused for the relief of symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Rhinitis is acondition in which the lining (mucus membranes) of the nose swells andfluid is released (a "runny nose").

DOSING: The usual dose for the inhalers (Beconase, Vancenase) isone inhalation in each nostril two to four times each day. Some patientsmay do well with lower doses, and some require higher doses. The usualdose for the nasal sprays (Beconase AQ, Vancenase AQ, Vancenase AQ DS) is one or two spraysin each nostril two to four times each day.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: No drug interactions have been described withnasal beclomethasone.

PREGNANCY: There does not appear to be any increased risk ofmalformations in children born to mothers exposed to beclomethasone duringpregnancy. Additionally, no dependency on the drug develops, and there areno withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if beclomethasone is secreted in breast milk. Other medications in this class are secreted into breastmilk. It is not known whether the small amounts that may appear in themilk are of any consequence to the infant.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associatedwith nasal beclomethasone are nasal irritation (occurring in about 1 in 10persons), sneezing (1 in 10), and, occasionally, a bloody discharge fromthe nose (about 1 in 50 persons).