Drug Name

Beclate Inhaler

Drug Uses

Beclate Inhalers are designated for a wide range patients with a bronchial asthma. They include those which asthma - it is bad controlled bronchodilators one; those who inadequately copes sodium cromoglycate in addition to bronchodilators; those with serious asthma who depends from corticosteroids system, or adrenocorticotrophic a hormone (ACTH) or its synthetic equivalent.

Beclate Inhalers are especially important for a supervising asthma in children because the good control can be achieved immediately growth.

Beclate Inhaler is indicated in the prophylactic management of mild, moderate, or severe asthma in adults or children.

Adults
Mild Asthma Patients requiring symptomatic bronchodilator asthma medication on a regular basis.

Moderate Asthma
Patients with unstable or worsening asthma despite prophylactic therapy or bronchodilator alone.

Severe Asthma
Patients with severe chronic asthma and those who are dependent on systemic corticosteroids for adequate control of symptoms. Many patients who are dependent on systemic corticosteroids for adequate control of symptoms may be able to significantly reduce, or eliminate, their requirement for oral corticosteroids when they are transferred to a high dose of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate.

Children
Any child who requires prophylactic asthma medication.

How to use

Beclate Inhaler is for oral inhalation use only.
Patients should be given a starting dose of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate appropriate to the severity of their disease. The dose may then be adjusted until control is achieved, or reduced to the minimum effective dose according to individual response.

Adults and Children Over 12 Years of Age

Mild Asthma - 200 to 600 mcg per day in divided doses.
Moderate Asthma - 600 to 1,000 mcg per day in divided doses.
Severe Asthma - 1000 to 2,000 mcg per day in divided doses.

The dose may then be adjusted until control is achieved, or reduced to the minimum effective dose according to the individual response.

Children Over 4 Years of Age - up to 400 mcg per day in divided doses.

It is recommended that the height of children receiving prolonged treatment with inhaled corticosteroid is regularly monitored.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Beclomethasone dipropionate is a pro-drug with weak glucocorticoid receptor-binding activity. It is hydrolysed via esterase enzymes to the active metabolite, beclomethasone-17-monopropionate (B-17-MP), which has high topical anti-inflammatory activity.

Missed Dose

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

Warnings/Precautions

Beclate Inhaler is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug product.
Special care is necessary in patients with active or quiescent pulmonary tuberculosis.

Beclate Inhaler should be administered with caution in patients with active or quiescent pulmonary tuberculosis and fungal, viral or bacterial infections, and only if these patients are being adequately treated for the above-mentioned conditions.

Beclate Inhaler is not indicated in the treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of asthma where intensive measures are required. It is not designed to relieve acute asthma symptoms for which an inhaled short-acting bronchodilator is required. Patients should be advised to have such rescue medication available.

Systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids may occur, particularly at high doses prescribed for prolonged periods. These effects are much less likely to occur than with oral corticosteroids. Possible systemic effects include adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decrease in bone mineral density, cataract, and glaucoma. It is, therefore, important that the dose of inhaled corticosteroid is titrated to the lowest dose at which effective control of asthma is maintained.

Possible Side Effects

Candidiasis of the mouth and throat (thrush) occurs in some patients, the incidence of which is increased with doses of beclomethasone dipropionate greater than 400 mcg per day. Patients with high blood levels of Candida precipitins, indicating a previous infection, are most likely to develop this complication. Patients may find it helpful to rinse out their mouth with water after using the inhaler. Symptomatic candidiasis can be treated with topical anti-fungal therapy while continuing with the Beclate Inhaler.
In some patients, inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate may cause hoarseness or throat irritation. It mhay be elpful to rinse out the mouth with water immediately after inhalation. The use of a "spacer" device may be considered.
As with other inhalation therapy, paradoxical bronchospasm may occur with an immediate increase in wheezing after dosing. This should be treated immediately with a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Beclate Inhaler should be discontinued immediately, the patient assessed, and, if necessary, alternative therapy instituted.
Hypersensitivity reactions, including rashes, urticaria, pruritus, erythema, and oedema of the eyes, face; lips and throat have been reported. Possible systemic effects include Cushing's syndrome, Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, decrease in bone mineral density, cataract, and glaucoma.

More Information

Inhalation of the drug in doses in excess of those recommended may lead to temporary suppression of adrenal function. This does not necessitate emergency action to be taken. In these patients, treatment with beclomethasone dipropionate by inhalation should be continued at a dose sufficient to control asthma; adrenal function recovers in a few days and can be verified by measuring plasma cortisol.