Learn about Beclomethasone Oral Inhalation from Consumer Reports Health.

Prescription Drugs

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Beclomethasone Oral Inhalation (be kloe meth' a sone)

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Other names: QVAR Oral Inhaler

Important Warning
If you are switching (or have recently switched) to beclomethasone inhalation from an oral ... Full Alert

Why is this medication prescribed?

Beclomethasone is used to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties caused by severe asthma and other lung diseases. Beclomethasone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling in the airways.

How should this medication be used?

Beclomethasone comes as an aerosol to inhale by mouth. It usually is inhaled three or four times a day at evenly spaced intervals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use beclomethasone exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If your doctor has prescribed a bronchodilator (a drug to be inhaled for rapid relief of difficult breathing), use it several minutes before your beclomethasone inhaler so that beclomethasone reaches deep into your lungs.

Beclomethasone controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Continue to use beclomethasone even if you feel well. Do not stop using beclomethasone without talking to your doctor.

Before you use beclomethasone the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to show you how to use it. Practice using the inhaler while he or she watches.

To use the inhaler, follow these steps:

Shake the inhaler well. (Note: If you are using QVAR, you do not need to shake the inhaler.)
Remove the protective cap.
Exhale (breathe out) as completely as possible through your nose while keeping your mouth shut.
Open Mouth Technique: Open your mouth wide, and place the open end of the mouthpiece about 1-2 inches from your mouth.
Closed Mouth Technique: Place the open end of the mouthpiece well into your mouth, past your front teeth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
Take a slow, deep breath through the mouthpiece and, at the same time, press down on the container to spray the medication into your mouth. Be sure that the mist goes into your throat and is not blocked by your teeth or tongue. Adults giving the treatment to young children may hold the child's nose closed to be sure that the medication goes into the child's throat.
Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, remove the inhaler, and exhale slowly through your nose or mouth. If you take two puffs, wait 2 minutes and shake the inhaler well before taking the second puff.
Replace the protective cap on the inhaler.
After each treatment, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.

If you have difficulty getting the medication into your lungs, a spacer (a special device that attaches to the inhaler) may help; ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Other names

QVAR® Oral Inhaler

Last Revised January 04, 2002

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