Description
Treatment and prevention of nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis), including hayfever, pet allergies and dust mite allergies, in adults aged 18 years and over.
Beclometasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used as a nasal spray to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages. (NB. Beclometasone nasal spray is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)
The nasal spray will not relieve the symptoms of nasal allergies immediately, and can take two to three days to have its full effect. It is therefore most effective to start using the nasal spray two to three days before you expect to get symptoms, for example before the start of the pollen season, or if you know you are going to be in contact with pets that give you the allergy. For maximum benefit the spray should then be used regularly to keep the nasal inflammation under control.
Directions
Adults: Two sprays into each nostril twice a day
Warnings
This medicine is only intended for use in the nose and must not be taken by mouth.
It is important to shake the bottle gently before each use.
The spray should be primed before you use it for the first time. Do this by spraying it into the air away from you a few times until a fine mist is produced. If you don’t use the spray for longer than a few days then you will need to reprime it before using it again, by spraying it into the air as before.
The plastic nozzle of your nasal spray should be cleaned at least once a week, or more frequently if the spray doesn’t work because it has become blocked. Follow the printed instructions supplied with the spray. Never try to unblock the nozzle or enlarge the tiny spray hole with a pin or other sharp object, because this will destroy the spray mechanism.
Any remaining spray must be discarded three months after you first open the bottle, because it may be contaminated with dirt or bacteria. Do not transfer any remaining suspension to another bottle. You may find it helpful to write the date of first opening on the bottle so you know when to throw it away. Dispose of carefully, preferably by returning it to a pharmacy.
If you think you have developed a nose or throat infection while using this medicine you should consult your doctor. You may need to stop using this medicine temporarily while the infection is treated.
If your symptoms have not improved after 14 days of using this medicine you should seek medical advice from your pharmacist or doctor.
This medicine should not be used continuously for longer than three months without consulting your doctor.
When taken in high doses for long periods of time, corticosteroids have the potential to cause glaucoma, cataracts, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), slowed growth in children and adolescents, and to decrease the functioning of the adrenal glands (glands that produce natural steroid hormones). These side effects on other areas of the body are called systemic side effects and are extremely unlikely to occur with this nasal spray, because the amount of beclometasone absorbed into the bloodstream from the nose is very low. However, as a precaution, you should use the lowest effective dose needed to control your symptoms. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Use with caution in
People who have recently had nasal septal ulcers, nasal surgery or nasal injuries. (This medicine should be avoided until after the nose has healed).
People with infections in the nose or sinuses. (The infection should be treated).
Not to be used in
This medicine should be avoided in people with tuberculosis affecting the lungs.
This medicine is not recommended for children or adolescents under 18 years of age unless prescribed by a doctor.
Side Effects
osebleeds (epistaxis).
Dryness and irritation of the nose and throat.
Unpleasant taste or smell.
Allergic reactions such as rash, itching or swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema).
Perforation of the nasal septum (rare).
Raised pressure inside the eye or glaucoma (rare).
Cataracts (rare).
Side effects similar to those associated with corticosteroids taken by mouth may occur if this medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream. This is unlikely unless the medicine is used at high doses for prolonged periods of time. See the warning section above for more details.
Ingredients
The active substance is Beclometasone Dipropionate 50 micrograms per spray.
The other ingredients are: Dextrose Anhydrous, Polysorbate 80, Dispersible Cellulose, Benzalkonium Chloride 95%, Phenylethanol and Purified Water.
Great service and great value
Excellent, non-drowsy making, nasal spray to counter the irritating effects of hay fever.