General Info:

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.

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.

Beclomethasone is not a bronchodilator medication (it does not quickly open the airways); and it should not be used for relief of asthma when bronchodilators and other nonsteroid drugs prove effective. Do not expect immediate relief from beclomethasone, and do not take higher doses in an attempt to make it work. It is not intended for rapid relief, but it will help control symptoms when taken routinely.

Brand names:

• Beclovent
• Beclomethasone
• Vanceril Inhalation Aerosol and Double Strength Inhalation Aerosol
• Vanceril Inhaler
• Qvar Inhalation Aerosol