Beclomethasone is used to relieve allergic and non-allergic nasal symptoms (sneezing, itching, runny/stuffy nose). It may also be used to prevent the return of growths in the nose (nasal polyps) after removal by surgery.

Beclomethasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the nasal passages.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using beclomethasone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Shake the bottle gently before each use. Remove the safety clip and plastic cap. Follow the instructions on how to properly prime the spray if you are using a bottle for the first time or if you have not used it for 7 days. A fine spray means that the pump is primed properly.

Spray this medication into the nose, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Close one nostril with a finger and lean your head slightly forward. Insert the spray tip into the other nostril. Spray the medication into the open nostril. Breathe in gently through the nostril, then gently breathe out through your mouth. If more sprays are prescribed, repeat in the same nostril. Then repeat for the other nostril if so directed.

Avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes after using the medication. Avoid spraying the medication into your eyes or onto the middle of the inside of your nose (nasal septum). Replace the plastic cap and safety clip after each use.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use more frequently, or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy. Your doctor may lower your dose once you have had a response to this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

This medication does not work immediately. Some people will feel this medication working within 3 days, but it may take up to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

Keep track of the number of sprays used from each bottle. Discard the bottle after you have used the number of sprays noted in the instructions. Do not pour any remaining medication into another container. Follow the instructions on regular cleaning of the spray bottle and unblocking the spray tip if it becomes blocked.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 3 weeks of use.

See also Precautions section.

Nose/throat irritation, sneezing, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, stuffy/runny nose, nosebleeds, and unpleasant taste/smell may occur. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: white patches inside the nose or on the back of the throat, fever, persistent/severe sore throat, pain while swallowing, wheezing, ringing in the ears, tingling of the hands/feet, menstrual period changes.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: vision problems, loss of taste or smell, poor wound healing, increased thirst/urination, puffy face, unexpected weight gain, muscle weakness/pain, pain/discomfort/sores on the middle of the inside of the nose.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking beclomethasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone); or to preservatives (e.g., benzalkonium chloride); or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: tuberculosis, certain eye problems (herpes infection, glaucoma), untreated infections, unhealed sores/ulcers in the nose, recent nose surgery or injury.

Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable effects that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. Children and those using this drug for an extended time may be at higher risk, especially if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries, or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to 1 year after stopping use of this drug.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: vision problems, persistent headache, increased thirst/urination, unusual weakness, unexpected weight loss, dizziness.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) this medication.

Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles unless you have previously had these diseases (e.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to one of these infections and you have not previously had it, seek immediate medical attention.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Though it is unlikely to occur with nasal corticosteroids, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's rate of growth, but it will probably not affect final adult height. Monitor your child's height periodically.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended time may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Based on information from similar drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone), natalizumab, quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), bupropion, aldesleukin, licorice (glycyrrhiza).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Do not share this medication with others.

If used for prolonged periods, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., nasal exams) may be performed to monitor your progress and check for side effects.

Persons taking this medication for long-term therapy should wear or carry identification stating that they are taking a corticosteroid. Inform all your doctors you use, or have used, this medication. (See Medical Alert section.)

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Use the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised October 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.