Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To manage asthma 2. To treat COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 3. To treat cough due to lung inflammation. 4. To treat allergic rhinitis (common cold) |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Sore throat or tongue 2. Hoarseness or voice changes 3. Fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush) 4. Headache 5. Irritation in the nose or throat |
| Additional Information | 1. Do not stop using the inhaler suddenly without your doctor’s advice. 2. Clean the mouthpiece regularly to keep it free from dust and residue. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Take this medication by inhalation (through the mouth using the inhaler) as directed by your doctor. |
Beclomethasone Uses
Beclomethasone is a Corticosteroid (Inhaled corticosteroid) used to relieve breathing difficulty caused by airway narrowing in the following conditions:
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Emphysema (A condition that damages lung tissues)
- Cough caused due to lung inflammation.
Directions for use
- Shake the inhaler well before each use.
- Breathe out fully to empty your lungs.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it.
- Breathe in deeply and press the inhaler once to release the medicine.
- Hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe out slowly.
- Rinse your mouth with water after using the inhaler.
Beclomethasone side effects
More Common
- Sore throat or tongue
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush)
- Headache
- Irritation in the nose or throat
Less Common
- Increased risk of infection
- Cataracts or glaucoma
- Weakened bones (osteoporosis)
- Growth suppression in children
How Beclomethasone works
Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces swelling and irritation in the airways. When inhaled, it goes directly to the lungs and calms the immune response that causes inflammation. This helps prevent narrowing of the airways, reduces mucus production, and makes breathing easier. Using it regularly helps control symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath and prevents asthma attacks from occurring. It works slowly over time, so it is for long-term control, not quick relief.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy Warning
If you’re allergic to beclomethasone, this medication can cause serious allergic reactions like rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Always consult your doctor before using it.
Active lung infections
This medicine can weaken your immune system in the lungs, making your lung infections worse. Always communicate your condition with your doctor before using it.
Untreated fungal or bacterial infections
If you have an untreated fungal or bacterial infection, using beclomethasone can make the infection worse or allow it to spread by weaking your immune system. Always consult your doctor before using beclomethasone if you have any infection.
Children
Incorrect use of beclomethasone can affect growth in children and can cause side effects. Use this medication under a medical supervision
Eye conditions
This medication can increase eye pressure or worsen infections and side effects. Always communicate with your doctor about your condition.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should take this medicine only under doctor supervision, as its safety information is not fully established for the fetus.
Beclomethasone Interaction with Food Product
Beclomethasone inhaler has no major food interactions. It can be used with or without food. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after use to prevent throat irritation or mouth infections. Maintaining a healthy diet can support lung and overall health while using this inhaler.
Beclomethasone Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Beclomethasone with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Beclomethasone Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) / Chemical name
(8S,9R,10S,11S,13S,14S,16S,17R)-9-chloro-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,11,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one

Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Beclomethasone exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
Beclomethasone should not be taken more than 320 mcg twice a day as prescribed by your doctor. Taking more can cause throat irritation, hoarseness, mouth infections, headache, or dizziness. If you inhale more than recommended dose and experience side effects, rush to hospital immediately
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Beclomethasone Summary
Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used to prevent and manage breathing problems such as asthma, wheezing, coughing, and airway inflammation. It works by reducing swelling and irritation in the airways, calming inflammation, mucus and its production, and keeping the airways open to make breathing easier. The inhaler should be used regularly as prescribed by a doctor, usually once or twice daily, and it is not for quick relief of sudden asthma attacks.
Common side effects include throat irritation, cough, hoarseness, and dry mouth, while rare side effects may include mouth infections, headache, nausea, or dizziness. Beclomethasone can be used during pregnancy under doctor supervision, has no major food interactions, and should be avoided in people allergic to it, with untreated infections, or certain eye problems. Following your doctor’s instructions ensures safe and effective control of breathing problems.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of beclomethasone dipropionate?
It is used to prevent and treat breathing problems like asthma, wheezing, coughing, and airway inflammation by reducing swelling and keeping the airways open.
What are the side effects of beclomethasone?
Common side effects include throat irritation, cough, hoarseness, and dry mouth. Rarely, it may cause mouth infections, headache, nausea, or dizziness.
What is the mechanism of beclomethasone?
It works by reducing swelling and irritation in the airways, calming inflammation, decreasing mucus, and keeping the airways open, which helps prevent asthma attacks and makes breathing easier.
Is beclomethasone safe during pregnancy?
It can be used during pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor to control asthma and breathing problems. Always consult your doctor first to ensure the safety of both mother and fetus.
Reference
- Beclomethasone (Inhalation Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from
- PubChem. Beclomethasone [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2025 [cited 2025 Oct 16]. Available from
- https://www.facebook.com/Drugscom. Beclomethasone Dosage [Internet]. Drugs.com. Drugs.com; 2017. Available from
- DrugBank. Beclomethasone dipropionate [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. 2005. Available from

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.