Beconase Nasal Spray

Beclomethasone nasal spray is available to purchase over the counter or by prescription. The active ingredient is beclomethasone diproprionate 50mcg which belongs to a group of medicines called steroids or corticosteroids. Beclomethasone nasal spray effectively reduces inflammation, swelling and irritation in your nose. This helps relieve itching, sneezing and your blocked or runny nose.

It takes a few days for beclomethasone nasal spray to work, so starting at least a week before the nasal symptoms begin is sensible. The usual starting dose is 2 sprays into each nostril twice a day. You should lower your dose to one spray into each nostril twice daily as you improve. If your symptoms worsen, you may need to increase your dose back to the starting dose. Do not use larger doses or more than the maximum recommended dose. You must use your nasal spray correctly. Otherwise, you may notice that it is not as effective.

Using your spray

1. Shake the bottle and take off the dust cap.
2. Blow your nose gently.
3. Close one nostril with your finger as shown and put the nozzle in the other nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly and keep the bottle upright. Hold the bottle as shown.
4. Start to breathe in slowly through your nose. While you are breathing in press down firmly on the collar with your fingers. A spray of fine mist will go into your nostril.
5. Breathe out through your mouth.
6. Repeat step 4 to use a second spray in the same nostril.
7. Remove the nozzle from this nostril and breathe out through your mouth.
8. Repeat steps 3 to 6 for your other nostril.
9. After using your spray, wipe the nozzle carefully with a clean tissue or handkerchief, and replace the dust cap.

Like all medicines, Beclomethasone nasal spray can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The most common side effects are sneezing, dry or sort throat, or hoarse voice, unpleasant taste or smell or dru or sore nose or nosebleeds.

The full list of side effects is available in the patient information leaflet.

Most adults and children over the age of 6 years can use the spray. However beclomethasone may not be suitable for:

• you are allergic to beclometasone dipropionate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• are taking or recently have taken corticosteroid medicines
• have had nose surgery
• have an infection in the eye or nose
• are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.