Drug reference

Beclometasone

Corticosteroid · Anti-inflammatory

Also known as Beclometasone dipropionate, Beclomethasone dipropionate

CorticosteroidAnti-inflammatory

CDSCO approvedSchedule H

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

Inhaled drugs for asthma can be taken as normal during pregnancy.

FDA category + note

Mechanism

Beclometasone dipropionate is a glucocorticoid that exerts significant local anti-inflammatory effects. It is primarily used to obtain topical effects, particularly in the lungs, while minimizing systemic side effects. Systemic absorption can occur, especially with high doses or prolonged treatment, leading to systemic corticosteroid effects.

Indications

Adjunct to aminosalicylates in acute mild to moderate ulcerative colitisProphylaxis of asthma

Dosing

Adult: Oral for ulcerative colitis: 5 mg daily, maximum duration of treatment 4 weeks, dose to be taken in the morning. By inhalation of powder for asthma: 200–400 micrograms twice daily; increased if necessary up to 800 micrograms twice daily.…
Pediatric: By inhalation of powder for asthma: Child 5–11 years: 100–200 micrograms twice daily; Child 12–17 years: 200–400 micrograms twice daily; increased if necessary up to 800 micrograms twice daily.…
Hepatic adjustment: Manufacturer advises avoid in severe impairment (no information available).
Max dose: Oral: 5 mg daily. Inhaled powder (adult): 800 micrograms twice daily. Inhaled aerosol (adult): 1 mg twice daily.

Pharmacokinetics

Bioavailability

Drug will also be absorbed into the systemic circulation from the lungs. The swallowed fraction of the drug absorbed from the GI tract makes the greatest contribution to the systemic fraction.

Contraindications

Avoid injections containing benzyl alcohol in neonates
Avoid live virus vaccines in those receiving immunosuppressive doses (serum antibody response diminished)
Systemic infection (unless specific therapy given)