Beclomet Easyhaler

Beclomet Easyhaler is a dry powder inhaler containing the inhaled corticosteroid beclometasone dipropionate. It is used for the preventive long-term treatment of bronchial asthma.

Beclometasone has been used successfully in asthma therapy since the 1970s. The Easyhaler offers a practical, easy-to-use dosage form.

Beclometasone is also a component of the combination inhaler Foster (with formoterol) and the triple inhaler Trimbow.

Beclometasone acts as a prodrug with an anti-inflammatory effect:

Mechanism of action: 1. Beclometasone dipropionate is a prodrug 2. In the lungs, it is converted into the active beclometasone-17-monopropionate (17-BMP) 3. 17-BMP binds to glucocorticoid receptors 4. Anti-inflammatory genes are activated

Effects:

• Reduction of airway inflammation
• Decrease in swelling and mucus production
• Lowering of bronchial hyperresponsiveness
• Protection against asthma attacks

Time course:

• First effects: after a few days
• Full effect: after 1-4 weeks
• No immediate effect in acute shortness of breath

Beclomet Easyhaler is suitable for:

• Bronchial asthma of all severity levels
• Adults and children
• As maintenance therapy (controller)

Advantages:

• Long-established
• Good safety profile
• Simple dry powder inhaler
• Alternative for HIV patients on ritonavir

Not suitable:

• For the acute treatment of shortness of breath
• As the sole therapy in severe asthma

Beclomet Easyhaler:

• 200 µg per single dose

Dosage in asthma (adults):

• Mild: starting dose 400 µg per day, if necessary up to 800 µg per day
• Moderate and severe: starting dose 800-1600 µg per day
• If necessary up to 1600 µg per day, divided into 2-4 doses

In children aged 6-12 years:

• 1 inhalation (200 µg) twice daily
• In more severe cases up to 800 µg per day, divided into 2-4 doses

Equivalent doses: 200 µg beclometasone corresponds to approximately 200 µg budesonide or 100 µg fluticasone.

Easyhaler – how to use: 1. Remove the protective cap 2. Hold upright and shake vigorously 3. Press and release (click – dose loaded) 4. Breathe out deeply (not into the inhaler) 5. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece 6. Breathe in forcefully and deeply 7. Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds 8. Rinse your mouth and spit out

Important:

• Use 2x daily (morning and evening)
• Continue even when you have no symptoms
• Do not stop abruptly
• Rinse your mouth after inhalation (prevention of oral thrush)

Do not use in case of:

• Hypersensitivity to beclometasone or lactose (contains small amounts of milk protein)
• Rare hereditary galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption

Caution in case of:

• Active pulmonary tuberculosis
• Respiratory tract infections (fungal, viral, bacterial)
• Severe hepatic impairment

Pregnancy: Can be used for asthma. Uncontrolled asthma is more dangerous.

Breastfeeding: Passes into breast milk in small amounts. Use is possible.

Common (1-10%):

• Oral thrush (oral candidiasis)
• Hoarseness
• Throat irritation

Uncommon:

• Headache
• Cough after inhalation

Rare (with high doses/long-term therapy):

• Adrenal suppression
• Osteoporosis
• Cataract, glaucoma
• Slowed growth in children

Prevention: Rinse your mouth after each inhalation!

Interactions:

• CYP3A4 inhibitors – less interaction than with fluticasone
• Beclometasone is therefore preferred in HIV therapy with ritonavir

No relevant interaction with:

• Bronchodilators
• Most other medications