Always use your beclometasone inhaler as a doctor, nurse or pharmacist has told you.
Dosage
The usual dose of beclometasone using an inhaler as a preventer for asthma or COPD is 1 or 2 puffs, twice a day.
It's important to use your beclometasone inhaler regularly to manage your symptoms. Use it regularly, even if you do not have any symptoms. After using your inhaler, always put the lid back on to keep it clean.
Beclometasone inhalers come in different strengths. Your doctor, or asthma or respiratory nurse, will tell you which strength is right for you. Always follow their instructions. They may tell you to use your inhaler more often, up to 4 times a day, or to have more than 2 puffs at a time. This depends on how bad your breathing is and which inhaler you're using.
If your beclometasone inhaler also contains formoterol, you may be advised to use it as a preventer and also as a reliever for asthma when you're wheezy or tight chested. In this case, doses can be up to 8 puffs a day in total. Let your doctor or nurse know if you feel you need to use more than 8 puffs in a day.
Changes to your dose
Your dose may go up or down depending on how bad your breathing is. You'll be prescribed the lowest dose that controls your symptoms.
If you've agreed a personal action plan with your doctor or nurse, follow your action plan.
Talk to your doctor or nurse if your breathing seems to be getting worse.
How to use your inhaler
Different types of inhalers
There are different types of beclometasone inhaler, including:
- pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs), which give the medicine in a spray form (aerosol) – you can use these with a spacer
- breath actuated inhalers (BAIs) – these release a spray of medicine as you inhale
- dry powder inhalers (DPIs) – these give the medicine in the form of a dry powder instead of a spray
Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about which inhaler type is best for you or your child.
It's very important to use your inhaler properly. This is so you get the right amount of beclometasone into your lungs and the most benefit from your medicine.
If you or your child find it difficult to use one type of inhaler, speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about trying a different type.
Before using your inhaler, read the information leaflet that came with it. This leaflet contains instructions and diagrams to show you how to use the inhaler, how to keep it clean, and how long to use it before getting a replacement.
Important
Do not use anyone else's beclometasone inhaler. Your inhaler may be different to a friend's or relative's. Their inhaler might contain a different dose of beclometasone.
Check your inhaler technique
To get the most from your inhaler, it's important to have your technique checked regularly.
If you're not sure how to use your inhaler, or your technique has not been checked for a year, ask your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist to watch you use it.
Important: Risk of choking
Remove the mouthpiece cover completely before using your inhaler. Check the inside and outside of the mouthpiece to make sure it's clean and there's nothing inside it. Shake the inhaler 4 or 5 times to remove any loose objects.
After use, replace the mouthpiece cover straight away. Firmly push it and make sure it clicks into place.
Always store your inhaler with the mouthpiece cover on.
Using your inhaler with a spacer
A spacer is recommended for anyone having high doses and using a pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) that contains a steroid. They're always recommended for children aged 15 years old and under.
As well as making your inhaler easier to use, spacers can also reduce the risk of steroid side effects affecting your mouth and throat.
A spacer is a plastic container with a mouthpiece and a hole for the inhaler. It makes it easier to get the right amount of beclometasone into your lungs. For young children they're available with a face mask.
Your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist can show you how to use a spacer with your inhaler.
Watch a video
Asthma + Lung UK has some short videos showing you how to use your inhaler to help you manage your symptoms. You can search by type of inhaler and by brand (such as Clenil, Fostair or Qvar).
If you use a pressurised metered dose inhaler for example, you can watch a pMDI video.
How long to use it for
You'll usually use your beclometasone inhaler for a long time. It helps prevent your asthma or COPD getting worse.
It's important to keep using your inhaler even if you feel better.
Do not stop using beclometasone suddenly, even if you feel better, without speaking to your doctor or nurse first.
If you have an inhaler to control your asthma or COPD, your breathing problems may return if you suddenly stop using it. You might feel wheezy or short of breath. Your chest may feel tight and you could start to cough.
Suddenly stopping treatment can make you feel unwell. Symptoms can include feeling drowsy, sick or tired, headaches and loss of appetite.
If you forget to use it
Use your inhaler as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed one and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you use too much
Using too much beclometasone is unlikely to harm you.
If you're worried, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist.
Steroid cards
If you use a steroid inhaler regularly, ask your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist if you need to carry a blue steroid card, or a red steroid emergency card, or both.
Important
If you need any medical or dental treatment, show your blue or red steroid card to the doctor, dentist or pharmacist so they know that you're taking beclometasone.