Beclomethasone
Beclomethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcerative colitis and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Beclomethasone is a corticosteroid that reduces intestinal inflammation and is primarily used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A07EA07
- RxNorm
- 1347
- Generic
- Beclomethasone
- Class
- atc-a07
- Brands
- Qnasl, Beconase, Qvar
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- nasal, topical
- Forms
- inhaler, spray, ointment, cream
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 80 mcg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 40 mcg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 40 mcg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue use if needed for asthma control as uncontrolled asthma poses greater risk
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
inhaled and nasal beclomethasone are considered compatible with breastfeeding
none required
pediatric_age
children under 12age-specific dosing
not recommended for children under 6 years for nasal spray; under 5 years for inhalation
monitor growth and adrenal function with long-term use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65no adjustment needed
use standard dosing; monitor for local side effects
periodic assessment of inhaler technique
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose modification required for inhaled or nasal formulations
none specific
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose modification required; hepatic metabolism is minimal with inhaled forms
none specific
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Administration route
Routes of administration
Beclomethasone is primarily used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, particularly affecting the distal colon and rectum. It may also be used for other inflammatory bowel conditions when local corticosteroid therapy is appropriate.
As a glucocorticoid receptor agonist, beclomethasone works by binding to corticosteroid receptors in intestinal cells, leading to the suppression of pro-inflammatory genes and reduction of inflammatory mediators. This decreases immune cell infiltration and inflammation in the gut mucosa.
Beclomethasone should be used under medical supervision. Systemic absorption is generally low with topical formulations, but prolonged use may still cause corticosteroid-related side effects. It is not recommended for use in the presence of active intestinal infections. Treatment duration should follow prescribing physician guidance.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy