(Beclomethasone Dipropionate)

Indication: A corticosteroid used in chronic airways obstructions, especially in asthma not controlled by bronchodilators.

Cautions: respiratory infection, active or quiescent tuberculosis; may need to reinstate systemic therapy during periods of stress or when airways obstruction or mucus prevent drug access to smaller airways.

Side Effects: hoarseness; candidiasis of mouth or throat, usually only with large doses (rinsing the mouth with water after inhalation of a dose; it can be reduced by using spacer; antifungal lozenges may help).

Dose: Standard dose inhalers:

by aerosol inhalation, 100 mcg 3-4 times daily or 200 mcg twice daily (in more severe cases, initially 600-800 mcg daily).

Child, 50-100 mcg 2-4 times daily, reduced to the minimum effective dose.

High dose Inhalers:

By aerosol inhalation, 500 mcg twice daily or 250 mcg 4 times daily; if necessary the dose may be increased to 500 mcg 4 times daily.