BECLOMETASONE dipropionate, 250mcg/puff, 200 puffs, aerosol
Valid Article
BECLOMETASONE dipropionate aerosol
- In the WHO list of Essential Medicines 2023 (Therapeutic alternative to budesonide)
Therapeutic Action
Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
Glucocorticoid with an anti-inflammatory action in the lungs, resulting in reduced symptoms and exacerbations of asthma with less adverse effects than with systemic corticosteroids.
Indications
Maintenance treatment of chronic asthma following treatment with inhaled short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA) (salbutamol).
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) following treatment with inhaled salbutamol and salmeterol.
Instructions for use
Suspension or solution in a pressurised metered-dose inhaler (MDI): small canister containing a mixture of medicine and pressurised propellant. The pressure from the propellant delivers the medicine from the canister when the canister is pushed down into the boot/actuator.
Method of administration:
- Shake the inhaler and ensure that liquid is heard. Remove the mouthpiece cover.
- Inhale and then exhale as completely as possible.
- Place the lips firmly around the mouthpiece..
- Start to inhale with a long, slow breath and continue to breath as deeply as possible when activating the inhaler (puff).
- Remove the inhaler, close the lips and hold the breath for 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable.
- Exhale, wait a few seconds, shake the inhaler again and repeat for the next puff, if required.
- Replace the mouthpiece cover after use.
Manufacturers may express the content per puff as a "metered dose" (excluding the valve, i.e the quantity of drug substance contained in the device metering chamber) or as a "delivered dose" (excluding the mouthpiece, i.e. the quantity of drug substance delivered to the user). Always consult the product leaflet.
Refer to the information leaflet for appropriate instructions for use/inhalation according the inhaler model.
Pressurised metered-dose inhalers are CFC free presentation. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are harmful to the ozone layer and HFA (hydrofluoroalkane) propellant is a more effective, and environmentally-friendly alternative.
In adults and adolescents, when beclametasone is used in combination with a short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA), a combination inhaler is available: BECLOMETASONE dipr.100mcg/ FORMOTEROL fum. 6mcg/puff 120p, aer.
Precautions for Use
Beclometasone is not a bronchodilator. For asthma attacks, use inhaled salbutamol.
In children, use an inhalation chamber/spacer with or without a mask (depending on the age of the child) with every administration of pressurised metered dose inhalers.
In patients who have difficulty coordinating the actuation on the metered-dose inhaler and inhalation (e.g elderly patients), use an inhalation chamber/spacer to facilitate administration and improve the effectiveness of the product.
Do not use any mouthpiece other than the one supplied with the inhaler.
Transport Dangerous Goods
UN transport code:
- UN 1950 - Aerosols, non-flammable (each not exceeding 1 L capacity)
- Transport Class 2.2 - Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
Transport is only regulated for large quantities of aerosols.
Storage
- Below 25ºC - Protect from sunlight
- Used aerosols: do not pierce or incinerate. Empty all residual gas, then bury.