beclomethasone dipropionate

Beclometasone

Beclometasone or beclomethasone, sold under the brand name Vanceril among others, is a corticosteroid medication. It is available as an inhaler, cream, pills, and nasal spray. The inhaled form is used in the long-term management of asthma. The cream may be used for dermatitis and psoriasis. The pills have been used to treat ulcerative colitis. The nasal spray is used to treat allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps. Common side effects with the inhaled form include respiratory infections, headaches, and throat inflammation. Serious side effects include an increased risk of infection, cataracts, Cushing's syndrome, and severe allergic reactions. Long-term use of the pill form may cause adrenal insufficiency. The pills may also cause mood or personality changes. The inhaled form is generally regarded as safe in pregnancy. Beclometasone is a glucocorticoid. Beclomethasone, as beclomethasone dipropionate, was first patented in 1962 and used medically in 1972. It was approved for medical use in the United States in 1976. It is a therapeutic alternative on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. In 2023, it was the 351st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 51,000 prescriptions.