Dictionary of Allergies .. Beclomethasone Dipropionate

One of the shortest acting steroids, which is used only for topical administration as an inhaler or nasal spray. The precise mechanism of the drug's action in the lung is unknown. It controls hyperreactive airways and clears inflammation. Its inflammatory action directly suppresses the late phase reaction and effectively inhibits the release of secondary mediators that perpetuate the vicious cycle of mast cell degranulation and airway inflammation. Dosage and administration: Adults and children 12 years of age and older: The usual recommended dosage is two inhalations (84 mcg) given three of four times a day. Alternatively, four inhalations (168mcg) given twice daily has been shown to be effective in some patients. In stable asthmatics, the control of asthma measured both symptomatically and by daily lung function was independent of dosing schedule, but twice daily treatment may well lead to better compliance. (See Adrenal function, and beclomethazone dipropionate).

Beclomethazone dipropionate is available in metered-dose aerosol units which deliver 42 μg per actuation nasally Beclomethasone dipropionate was shown to affect urinary cortisol output in one study on healthy volunteers. However, in a long-term study in children, no effect on the HPA axis was found [2]. There is no reason to perform routine monitoring of adrenal function in children who are treated with intranasal corticosteroid unless those drugs are used concomitantly with inhaled corticosteroids and/or steroid ointments for the possible concomitant presence of asthma and/or atopic dermatitis. [2]. Combinations of a long-acting beta(2)-agonist (LABA) and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) are effective and safe options in asthma management.

In the treatment of asthma, BDP/F[beclometasone dipropionate (BDP)/formoterol (F)]was shown to be at least as effective and well-tolerated as other available combinations of ICS and LABA with the advantage of a better cost effectiveness, and more effective in improving asthma control than BDP and formoterol given via separate inhalers. The extra-fine BDP/F combination appears to be a valuable therapeutic option in the management of asthma [3]. (Vancenase, Beckons, Becotide) or orally (Vanceril, Beclovent). 

References

Bruni FM, De Luca G, Venturoli V, Boner AL. Intranasal corticosteroids and adrenal suppression. Neuroimmunomodulation.2009;16(5):353-62. Epub 2009 Jun 29 .

2. Bruni FM, De Luca G, Venturoli V, Boner AL. Intranasal corticosteroids and adrenal suppression. Neuroimmunomodulation.2009;16(5):353-62. Epub 2009 Jun 29 .

3. Fabbri LM, Nicolini G, Olivieri D, Papi A. Inhaled beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol extra-fine fixed combination in the treatment of asthma: evidence and future perspectives. Expert Opin Pharmacother.2008 Feb;9(3):479-90