Beclometasone

Beclometasone is a steroid. As a preventer inhaler it reduces swelling in the airways in asthma. As a nasal spray it treats hay fever.

Type of medicine

Corticosteroid (preventer inhaler and nasal spray)

Also known as

Clenil, Qvar, Kelhale, Beconase, Fostair (with formoterol)

Comes as

inhalers, nasal spray, cream, tablets

How you get it

Prescription only

What it is used for

Preventing asthma symptoms (brown inhalers, or combined with formoterol)
COPD, in combination inhalers
Hay fever and other nasal allergies (nasal spray)
Skin inflammation such as eczema (cream, ointment)
Some forms of ulcerative colitis (modified-release tablets)

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Beclometasone is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Beclometasone is a corticosteroid. It reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways or nose, so they are less sensitive and less likely to react to triggers.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Beclometasone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

hoarse voice
sore throat
oral thrush (white patches in the mouth)
nosebleeds or a dry nose (nasal spray)

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

wheezing or breathlessness that gets worse straight after using the inhaler
changes in eyesight, such as blurred vision

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after using the inhaler to prevent thrush.
Use it every day, even when you feel well.
Different brands are not always interchangeable. Always ask for your inhaler by brand name.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.