1454Medication name
Generic name:
Beclomethasone hfa inhaler - nasal
Pronunciation
(BE-kloe-METH-a-sone)
Brand name(s)
Qnasl
Uses
This medication is used to treat seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms such as stuffy/runny nose, itching, and sneezing. It may also reduce other symptoms of seasonal allergies such as red, itchy, and watery eyes. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the nasal passages.
Other uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to keep growths in the nose (nasal polyps) from coming back after removal by surgery. This drug may also be used for symptoms (such as stuffy/runny nose) caused by other triggers (such as cigarette smoke, perfumes).
How to use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet before you start using beclomethasone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication in the nose as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Do not spray in your eyes or mouth.
If this medication is used by a child, a parent or other responsible adult should supervise and help the child use this medication properly.
Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Follow the instructions on how to properly prime the inhaler if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for more than 7 days in a row.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than directed since this may increase the risk of side effects.
This medication does not work right away. Some people will feel this medication working within several days, but it may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should also use other allergy medications along with this drug until it takes full effect.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
Wipe the inhaler regularly with a clean, dry tissue or cloth. Do not take the inhaler apart. Do not wash or put any part of the inhaler in water. Keep track of the number of sprays used from the container. Discard the container after you have used the number of sprays specified on the manufacturer's package.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side effects
Mild nosebleeds, nasal dryness/irritation, unpleasant taste/smell may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- pain/sores in the nose
- loss of taste or smell
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, white patches in your nose/back of your throat, fever, chills)
Rarely, it is possible that corticosteroids given in the nose will be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children and people who use this medication for a long time and in high doses. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:
- unusual/extreme tiredness
- weight loss
- headache
- swelling ankles/feet
- increased thirst/urination
- vision problems
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking nasal beclomethasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- recent nose problems (such as injury, ulcers, surgery)
- certain eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts)
- current/past infections (such as those caused by tuberculosis, herpes, fungus)
Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.
Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
If you use this medication for a long time, lab and/or medical tests (such as nose exams, height measurement in children) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Ask your doctor for ways to reduce your exposure to substances (such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, smoke) that can worsen allergy symptoms.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store with the cap on at room temperature away from heat or open flame. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Important note
HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Information last revised May 2024.
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