Topical/Inhaled Glucocorticoid·Respiratory - Asthma & COPD

Beclometasone

Maintenance treatment of asthma

Authority requiredPBSSTEROIDQvar, Fostair (combo)Metered Dose Inhaler (50, 10…+2

No source link confirmed for this record yet. Its own source notes are under Additional.

At a glance

Max Dose

800 mcg/day

Half-life

2-3 h

Extra-Fine

DEEP LUNG

Caution: Thrush

HIGH RISK

Cautions

Avoid / Cautions

Acute asthma attacks (preventer, not a reliever). Pregnancy Category B3.

Where it stands

Rapid Summary

Overview

Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS). Formulated as extra-fine particles that penetrate deep into the small airways, providing excellent control of chronic asthma inflammation.

Clinical Focus

Must use a spacer and rinse/spit after every dose to prevent oral thrush and vocal cord myopathy.

Bottom Line

Beclometasone is a standard inhaled corticosteroid for asthma preventer therapy, but requires consistent use for effect and mouth rinsing to prevent oral candidiasis.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Qvar, Fostair (combo)

Oral Routes

Metered Dose Inhaler (50, 100 mcg/actuation).

Prescribing & PBS

Authority Required (PBS).

Indications & Use

Primary

PBSTGA

Maintenance treatment of asthma.

Clinical Place

First-line preventer. The extra-fine particle formulation (Qvar) means 100mcg of Beclometasone provides the same lung effect as 200mcg of older ICS formulations.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Topical/Inhaled Glucocorticoid — Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS).

Route / Formulation

Metered Dose Inhaler (50, 100 mcg/actuation). (Qvar, Fostair (combo))

Usual Dose & Max

Inhaled 100-400 mcg BD. Titrate to lowest effective dose. Max 800 mcg/day.

Key Indication Doses

Asthma Maintenance: Inhaled 100-400 mcg BD. Titrate to lowest effective dose. Combo Therapy: Often combined with Formoterol (Fostair) for MART regimens.

Best Uses

Beclometasone is a standard inhaled corticosteroid for asthma preventer therapy, but requires consistent use for effect and mouth rinsing to prevent oral candidiasis.

Key Risks

Oral/Pharyngeal: Oropharyngeal candidiasis, dysphonia (hoarseness). Endocrine: Minimal systemic adrenal suppression at standard doses.

Key Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors can slightly raise systemic levels, but much less dangerous than with Fluticasone.

Monitoring

Ensure 'rinse and spit' routine to prevent thrush.

Clinical Pearl

Asthma isn't just in the big bronchi; it affects the tiny terminal bronchioles. The ultra-fine particles of Qvar (Beclometasone) physically reach deeper into the lungs than standard Flixotide, offering superior control in difficult cases.

Access

Authority requiredQvar, Fostair (combo)Metered Dose Inhaler (50, 10…

Brand: Qvar, Fostair (combo)
PBS status: Authority required
Formulation: Metered Dose Inhaler (50, 100 mcg/actuation).

From this page

No calculator, monitoring schedule or factsheet is linked to this medicine page yet.

Topical/Inhaled Glucocorticoid·Respiratory - Asthma & COPD

Beclometasone

Maintenance treatment of asthma

Authority requiredPBSSTEROIDQvar, Fostair (combo)Metered Dose Inhaler (50, 10…+2

No source link confirmed for this record yet. Its own source notes are under Additional.

At a glance

Max Dose

800 mcg/day

Half-life

2-3 h

Extra-Fine

DEEP LUNG

Caution: Thrush

HIGH RISK

Cautions

Avoid / Cautions

Acute asthma attacks (preventer, not a reliever). Pregnancy Category B3.

Where it stands

Rapid Summary

Overview

Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS). Formulated as extra-fine particles that penetrate deep into the small airways, providing excellent control of chronic asthma inflammation.

Clinical Focus

Must use a spacer and rinse/spit after every dose to prevent oral thrush and vocal cord myopathy.

Bottom Line

Beclometasone is a standard inhaled corticosteroid for asthma preventer therapy, but requires consistent use for effect and mouth rinsing to prevent oral candidiasis.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Qvar, Fostair (combo)

Oral Routes

Metered Dose Inhaler (50, 100 mcg/actuation).

Prescribing & PBS

Authority Required (PBS).

Indications & Use

Primary

PBSTGA

Maintenance treatment of asthma.

Clinical Place

First-line preventer. The extra-fine particle formulation (Qvar) means 100mcg of Beclometasone provides the same lung effect as 200mcg of older ICS formulations.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Topical/Inhaled Glucocorticoid — Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS).

Route / Formulation

Metered Dose Inhaler (50, 100 mcg/actuation). (Qvar, Fostair (combo))

Usual Dose & Max

Inhaled 100-400 mcg BD. Titrate to lowest effective dose. Max 800 mcg/day.

Key Indication Doses

Asthma Maintenance: Inhaled 100-400 mcg BD. Titrate to lowest effective dose. Combo Therapy: Often combined with Formoterol (Fostair) for MART regimens.

Best Uses

Beclometasone is a standard inhaled corticosteroid for asthma preventer therapy, but requires consistent use for effect and mouth rinsing to prevent oral candidiasis.

Key Risks

Oral/Pharyngeal: Oropharyngeal candidiasis, dysphonia (hoarseness). Endocrine: Minimal systemic adrenal suppression at standard doses.

Key Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors can slightly raise systemic levels, but much less dangerous than with Fluticasone.

Monitoring

Ensure 'rinse and spit' routine to prevent thrush.

Clinical Pearl

Access

Authority requiredQvar, Fostair (combo)Metered Dose Inhaler (50, 10…

Brand: Qvar, Fostair (combo)
PBS status: Authority required
Formulation: Metered Dose Inhaler (50, 100 mcg/actuation).

From this page

No calculator, monitoring schedule or factsheet is linked to this medicine page yet.