Beclomethasone (Dipropionate)
Beclomethasone (Dipropionate) Information

About Beclomethasone (Dipropionate)

Beclomethasone is a synthetic halogenated inhaled glucocorticoid. Beclomethasone (Dipropionate) is used for treating steroid-dependent asthma, for relieving symptoms associated with allergic or nonallergic (vasomotor) rhinitis or for preventing recurrent nasal polyps following surgical removal. It has 500 times the topical anti-infammatory activity of dexamethasone but Beclomethasone (Dipropionate) is less active as a systemic glucocorticoid and is almost inactive by the oral route.

Indications

Beclomethasone (Dipropionate) is primarily indicated in conditions like Allergic rhinitis, Asthma, Dermatitis, Eczema, Granuloma annulare, Lichen planus, Lichen simplex, Lupus erythematosus, NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers (prophylaxis), Prophylaxis of asthma, Pruritus ANI, Psoriasis, Vasomotor rhinitis, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Liver transplant.

Contraindication

Beclomethasone (Dipropionate) is contraindicated in conditions like Acne,Respiratory tract infections,Pulmonary TB,Ulcers,Rosacea,Perioral dermatitis.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Beclomethasone (Dipropionate), which give rise to further complications include Dermal thinning, Telangiectasia, Striae, Glaucoma, Cataract, Osteoporosis, Increased IOP (intraocular pressure).Beclomethasone (Dipropionate) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Addisonian crises, Cushing"s syndrome. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Beclomethasone (Dipropionate) therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Beclomethasone (Dipropionate) include Hallucinations.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Beclomethasone (Dipropionate) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Urticaria, Irritation, Oropharyngeal candidiasis, Dysphonia, Epithelial damage, Allergic reactions, Flushing, Sneezing, Xerostomia, Nasal irritation, Dysgeusia.

Warnings

Beclomethasone should be used with caution in patients with active tuberculosis infection of respiratory tract or in untreated fungal, bacterial or systemic viral infections. Corticosteroids should only be used systemically with great caution in the presence of congestive heart failure (CHF), recent myocardial infraction (MI), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, liver failure, osteoporosis, peptic ulceration or renal impairment. Children may be at increase risk of some adverse effects, corticosteroid causes growth retardation and prolonged use is rarely justified. Passive immunization is recommended to non-immune patients who do come in contact with chickenpox or measles. Live vaccine should not be given to patients receiving high dose systemic corticosteroid therapy nor for atleast 3 months afterwards, killed vaccine or toxoids may be given, although the response may be attenuated. During prolong treatment with corticosteroids, patients should be examined regularly, sodium intake may need to be reduced and calcium and potassium supplement may be necessary. Patient should carry cards given full details of their corticosteroid therapy. Avoid use during pregnancy. Use nasal steroids with caution until healing has occurred.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.