Beclometasone
About Beclometasone
Beclometasone is a prescription corticosteroid medicine used to reduce inflammation in the intestines, primarily for the treatment of mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis. This article refers to the enteric-coated oral formulation of Beclometasone, which is designed to release the medicine in the intestines. It is different from the inhaled or nasal forms of beclometasone used for asthma and allergic rhinitis. Its targeted action helps reduce inflammation in the bowel while limiting absorption into the rest of the body.
To get the best results, you must take Beclometasone consistently every day as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. You can take this medicine with or without food, but keeping your routine the same each day helps maintain steady levels of the medication in your body. Making specific dietary changes, such as eating smaller meals and avoiding personal food triggers, can also significantly support your treatment journey.
Most people tolerate this medicine well, though some may experience mild side effects such as headaches, nausea, or mild stomach upset. While serious side effects are rare due to its targeted local action, you should contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of an infection, severe abdominal pain, or changes in your vision.
Before starting Beclometasone, tell your doctor if you have a history of tuberculosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, or liver problems. Do not take this medicine if you have a severe active infection or a known allergy to any of its ingredients. It is also important to disclose your complete medical history to ensure this medication is safe for your specific condition.
Certain medications, such as strong antifungal drugs, can interact with Beclometasone and increase the risk of side effects. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can further irritate your stomach lining. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, talk to your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks before starting treatment.
Uses of Beclometasone
Medicinal Benefits
Beclometasone helps reduce inflammation in the intestines, providing relief from symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Its targeted action delivers the medicine directly to the affected area while minimising exposure to the rest of the body.
- Reduces Intestinal Inflammation: Helps control inflammation in the bowel, reducing disease activity.
- Relieves Digestive Symptoms: Helps improve symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bowel urgency, and frequent stools.
- Promotes Remission: Supports the achievement and maintenance of symptom control in inflammatory bowel disease.
- Acts Locally: Delivers anti-inflammatory action directly to the intestines, reducing the amount of medicine absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Supports Better Quality of Life: Improved symptom control may help you return to normal daily activities with greater comfort.
Directions for Use
- Beclometasone can be taken on an empty stomach or after a light breakfast as advised by the doctor.
- It is usually taken once a day, preferably in the morning or as directed by the doctor.
- Swallow Beclometasone as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Beclometasone
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Headache
- Mild indigestion or stomach discomfort
- Nausea
- Temporary trouble sleeping
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Signs of infection, including fever, chills, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
- Severe stomach pain or black, tarry stools
- Vision changes, such as blurred vision
- Swelling of your face, hands, ankles, or lower legs
- Severe mood swings, anxiety, or unusual tiredness
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Do Not Stop Treatment Without Medical Advice: Continue taking Beclometasone for the full duration prescribed. Because this medicine acts mainly in the intestines and has low absorption into the bloodstream, withdrawal effects are less common than with standard oral steroids. However, you should always speak with your doctor before stopping treatment.
- Avoid Exposure to Infections: Stay away from people with contagious illnesses such as chickenpox, measles, or shingles, as corticosteroids may reduce your body's ability to fight infections.
- Inform Healthcare Providers: Tell your doctor, dentist, or other healthcare professionals that you are taking Beclometasone before any medical or dental procedure.
- Check Before Use: Do not use the medicine if the packaging is damaged, the seal is broken, or the product has expired.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact with Beclometasone:
- Ketoconazole or Itraconazole: These antifungal medications can slow down how your body clears Beclometasone, which may increase the risk of side effects.
- NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen or Aspirin): Taking these pain relievers alongside this medicine can increase your risk of stomach irritation and ulcers.
Drug-Food Interactions
The following foods or drinks may affect how Beclometasone works or increase the risk of side effects:
- Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice: Avoid these while on treatment, as they can interfere with how your body breaks down the medication, leading to higher levels in your system.
Drug-Disease Interactions
Inform your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions before taking Beclometasone:
- Active Infections: This medicine can mask signs of infection or make existing infections worse by lowering your body's immune response.
- Severe Liver Damage: A damaged liver cannot clear the medicine effectively, which may increase systemic side effects.
- Diabetes: Although Beclometasone acts mainly in the intestines, it can occasionally raise blood sugar levels in some people. If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend periodic blood glucose monitoring during treatment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of Beclometasone with alcohol is unknown. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIf you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking Beclometasone.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIf you are a breastfeeding mother, you are recommended to consult a doctor before taking Beclometasone.
Driving
cautionBeclometasone usually does not affect your ability to drive. However, some patients may feel drowsy after taking Beclometasone. In such cases, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionUse Beclometasone with caution if you have liver problems. However, Beclometasone is not recommended if you have serious liver disease.
Kidney
cautionBeclometasone should be used with caution if you have kidney problems. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have any kidney problems before taking Beclometasone.
Children
unsafeBeclometasone is usually not recommended for children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep a Food Diary: Record your meals and symptoms to help identify foods that may trigger digestive flare-ups.
- Eat Smaller Meals: Choose smaller, more frequent meals to reduce stress on your digestive system.
- Stay Well-Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially during periods of diarrhoea or active disease.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Limit spicy foods, greasy meals, caffeinated drinks, and carbonated beverages if they worsen your symptoms.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Ulcerative colitis: It is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the lining of the large intestine (colon) and produces ulcers on the colon lining which may cause bleeding and discharge of pus and mucus. The common symptoms include bloody stools, stomach pain, rectal pain, diarrhoea, fever or weight loss. Additionally, it may cause other problems such as joint pain or swelling, mouth sores, skin problems, decreased appetite or nausea. The factors causing ulcerative colitis include immune disorders, and environmental factors like viruses, bacteria or antigens, which may trigger the immune system and genes inherited from the parent.
FAQs
Beclometasone is used to treat inflammation in the body due to various illnesses. It is used to treat Ulcerative colitis.
Beclometasone contains 'Beclometasone’ that works by blocking a chemical messenger in the brain that is responsible for causing inflammation and pain. Thereby, it reduces inflammation in the colon, which could otherwise make the condition worse and it also helps to reduce inflammation in various diseases.
Beclometasone may cause blurred vision or cloudy lenses in the eye in some patients. It is not necessary for everyone taking Beclometasone to experience this side effect. However, if you notice any changes in vision while taking Beclometasone, please consult a doctor immediately as they might be signs of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes) or cataract.
Beclometasone should be used with caution if you have diabetes as it may increase blood sugar levels. Therefore, if you are diabetic, please inform your doctor before taking Beclometasone and also regularly monitor your blood sugar levels while taking Beclometasone.
Beclometasone should be used with caution in osteoporosis (low bone density resulting in weak and brittle bones) patients as it may worsen the condition especially if used for a long time. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis before taking Beclometasone so that the dose may be adjusted or an alternate medicine may be prescribed.
A blue steroid card consists of patients' instructions and provides information to healthcare providers regarding the details of prescribed steroids. It is given to patients using Beclometasone for more than 3 weeks. The patient is advised to carry a steroid card always and show it to the nurse, midwife, doctor, dentist or anyone who treats them.
Beclometasone may cause mental problems, especially if taken in high doses. However, inform your doctor immediately if you notice mood changes or have depression and suicidal thoughts while taking Beclometasone.
No. Continue taking Beclometasone for the full course prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping treatment too early may allow your bowel inflammation to return. Because this medicine acts mainly in the intestines and has low absorption into the bloodstream, steroid withdrawal is uncommon. However, you should always speak to your doctor before stopping treatment or changing your dose.
The safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. If you are pregnant or planning a family, talk to your doctor to discuss if the benefits outweigh any potential risks.
Because Beclometasone acts locally in your intestines and is quickly broken down by your liver, very little of it circulates through your body. Consequently, systemic side effects like weight gain or facial swelling are much less common than with standard oral steroids. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about side effects.
You should consult your doctor before receiving any vaccines. Live vaccines should generally be avoided while taking steroid medications because your immune system may be slightly weakened. Talk to your doctor to plan your vaccination schedule safely.
It is highly recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking Beclometasone. Alcohol can irritate your stomach lining and worsen digestive symptoms like diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
If you remember on the same day, take your missed dose right away. If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Talk to your pharmacist if you are unsure.
No, you must swallow the tablet whole. Crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablet will ruin the protective coating that ensures the medicine bypasses your stomach and dissolves in your intestines. If you struggle to swallow pills, talk to your doctor about alternative options.
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