Beclometasone nasal spray - Common brands: Beconase

What beclometasone nasal spray is for

Beclometasone nasal spray is a steroid medicine.

It eases swelling and irritation in your nose to and can help with symptoms including an itchy nose, sneezing and a blocked or runny nose.

You can take it to treat and prevent hay fever.

It can also be prescribed for other allergies, like a pet allergy, or non-allergic rhinitis, a long-term condition where your symptoms are not caused by an allergy.

How to use beclometasone nasal spray

Beclometasone comes as a liquid that you spray into your nose (nasal spray).

The starting dose is usually 2 sprays in each nostril, twice a day. Once your symptoms have improved, you may be able to reduce your dose from 2 sprays to 1 spray.

This medicine takes a few days to work, so keep using it even if your symptoms do not get better immediately.

Do not use the spray more often than it says in the instructions. Do not have more than 8 sprays (4 sprays per nostril) in 24 hours, unless a doctor tells you to.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems using it.

How to use a nasal spray

If you’re using a new bottle, or you’ve not used it for a while, pump the spray a few times until a fine mist comes out of the top of the bottle (the nozzle).

1. Shake the bottle and remove the cap.
2. Gently blow your nose.
3. Push your finger against the side of one nostril.
4. Tilt your head forward slightly and, keeping the bottle upright, put the nozzle in the other nostril.
5. Start to breathe in slowly through your nose.
6. Spray the mist into your nostril and breathe it in.
7. Breathe out through your mouth.
8. Repeat with your other nostril.
9. Wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the cap.

Clean the nozzle and cap once a week, or more often if the spray gets blocked.

If you miss a dose of beclometasone nasal spray

If you forget to take a dose of beclometasone nasal spray, use it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.

If you use too much beclometasone nasal spray

Do not worry if you sometimes use more beclometasone nasal spray than you should. But avoid regularly using too much because it can increase the risk of side effects.

Side effects of beclometasone nasal spray

Like all medicines, beclometasone nasal spray can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of beclometasone nasal spray include:

• headache
• a dry or painful nose or throat
• changes to your sense of smell
• nosebleeds

Beclometasone nasal spray will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery, but some people may get blurred vision when using it. If this happens to you, wait until this has gone away.

Serious side effects

Beclometasone nasal spray can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of beclometasone nasal spray include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
• glaucoma or cataracts – causing problems with your eyes such as blurred vision, double vision or eye pain
• small holes or perforations in the cartilage that separates your nostrils (your septum) – causing symptoms such as whistling when breathing through your nose or a change in the shape of your nose

Who can and cannot use beclometasone nasal spray

Most adults can use beclometasone nasal spray.

It's sometimes also prescribed for children aged 6 years or older.

But beclometasone nasal spray is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from beclometasone nasal spray or another steroid (corticosteroid)
• you have a nasal infection or recently had nasal surgery
• you have tuberculosis (TB)

Before using beclometasone nasal spray, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and beclometasone nasal spray

You can usually use beclometasone nasal spray while breastfeeding, but if you are buying it without a prescription check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and beclometasone nasal spray

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

They may suggest other ways to manage your symptoms, or they may say it’s OK to use beclometasone nasal spray while pregnant.

If you are planning to buy beclometasone nasal spray without a prescription, speak to a pharmacist or doctor first.

Find out more about treating allergic rhinitis during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Using beclometasone nasal spray with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with beclometasone nasal spray.

These include:

• other steroid medicines (corticosteroids), particularly steroid injections or steroid tablets
• some medicines for HIV, including ritonavir and cobicistat

Before using beclometasone nasal spray, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with beclometasone nasal spray

You can eat and drink as normal while using beclometasone nasal spray.