What Type of Medication Is Beclomethasone?: An Inhaled Corticosteroid Explained

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

With asthma affecting approximately 8% of the U.S. population, effective long-term controller medications are crucial [1.10.3]. So, what type of medication is beclomethasone? It is a synthetic, anti-inflammatory corticosteroid used to prevent and control symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis [1.2.1, 1.2.2].

Quick Summary

Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the airways to make breathing easier [1.2.2]. It is a long-term 'controller' medication for managing conditions like asthma and not for acute attacks [1.2.3].

Key Points

Medication Class: Beclomethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid, which is a type of anti-inflammatory corticosteroid or 'steroid' [1.2.2, 1.3.1].
Primary Function: It works by decreasing swelling and irritation in the airways of the lungs and nasal passages to prevent symptoms of asthma and allergies [1.2.2, 1.3.5].
Controller, Not a Rescuer: It is a long-term maintenance ('controller') medication and will not stop an asthma attack that has already started [1.2.3].
Common Formulations: It is most frequently administered as an oral inhaler (e.g., Qvar RediHaler) for asthma or a nasal spray (e.g., Beconase AQ) for allergic rhinitis [1.6.5].
Managing Side Effects: Rinsing the mouth with water after using the inhaler is crucial to help prevent the common side effect of oral thrush (a fungal infection) [1.4.3].
Onset of Action: While some improvement may occur within 24 hours, the full benefits of beclomethasone may not be seen for 1 to 4 weeks of regular use [1.2.2].
Systemic Risks: Long-term, high-dose use carries a risk of systemic side effects, including slowed growth in children and reduced bone density, requiring medical supervision [1.5.3].

Understanding Beclomethasone: A Potent Anti-Inflammatory

Beclomethasone belongs to a class of medications known as corticosteroids (or steroids) [1.2.2]. Specifically, it's a synthetic glucocorticoid with powerful anti-inflammatory properties [1.3.1]. It is not a rescue medication for an asthma attack that has already started; instead, it's a 'controller' or 'preventer' medication used daily to manage chronic respiratory conditions [1.2.3]. Its primary goal is to reduce and prevent the inflammation that leads to symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing associated with asthma [1.2.2]. Improvement may be noticed within 24 hours, but the full therapeutic effect can take one to four weeks of consistent use [1.2.2].

How Does Beclomethasone Work? (Mechanism of Action)

Beclomethasone's mechanism of action is centered on its ability to reduce inflammation at a cellular level [1.3.1]. When inhaled, it is absorbed by cells in the lungs and breathing passages. Inside the cell, it binds to glucocorticoid receptors [1.3.2]. This activated complex then moves into the cell's nucleus, where it alters gene expression. Specifically, it works in two main ways:

Transactivation: It increases the production of anti-inflammatory proteins [1.3.2].
Transrepression: It inhibits the production of multiple pro-inflammatory substances, such as cytokines and chemokines, which are responsible for the swelling, mucus production, and airway tightening seen in asthma and allergic reactions [1.3.1, 1.3.2].

By preventing these inflammatory mediators from being released, beclomethasone calms the airways, making them less sensitive to triggers [1.3.5].

Primary Uses and Formulations

Beclomethasone is prescribed for several conditions, delivered in different forms to target specific areas of the body [1.6.5].

Asthma: The most common use is for the long-term maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children (typically ages 4 or 5 and older) [1.4.2, 1.4.5]. For this, it is available as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) [1.2.2]. Common brand names include Qvar RediHaler and previously Beclovent and Vanceril [1.6.1, 1.6.4].
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): To treat nasal symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a runny nose, beclomethasone is available as a nasal spray [1.4.4]. Brand names for this formulation include Beconase AQ and Qnasl [1.6.5].
Other Uses: In some cases, it has been used in pill form to treat ulcerative colitis or as a cream for skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis [1.6.5].

How to Use Beclomethasone Correctly

Proper technique is essential to ensure the medication reaches the lungs or nasal passages effectively and to minimize side effects.

For Inhaled Aerosol (e.g., Qvar RediHaler): The device is breath-actuated, meaning you don't need to press the canister while inhaling [1.2.1]. The general steps involve opening the cap, placing the mouthpiece in your mouth, taking a slow, deep breath, and holding it for about 10 seconds [1.8.4]. After use, it is critical to rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to prevent oral thrush, a common fungal infection [1.4.3].
For Nasal Spray (e.g., Beconase AQ): After gently blowing your nose, you tilt your head slightly forward, insert the nozzle into one nostril while blocking the other, and spray while breathing in gently through your nose [1.8.1, 1.8.3]. You then exhale through your mouth [1.8.2].

Beclomethasone vs. Other Inhaled Corticosteroids: A Comparison

Beclomethasone is one of several inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) available. Fluticasone and budesonide are other commonly prescribed options. While they all work similarly, there are differences in potency and formulation.


Feature	Beclomethasone	Fluticasone	Budesonide
Relative Potency	Moderate [1.3.3]	High [1.7.2]	High [1.7.2]
Common Inhaled Brands	Qvar RediHaler [1.6.1]	Flovent, Arnuity Ellipta	Pulmicort [1.7.2]
Common Nasal Brands	Beconase AQ, Qnasl [1.6.5]	Flonase	Rhinocort
Administration Forms	MDI Inhaler, Nasal Spray [1.6.5]	MDI Inhaler, Dry Powder Inhaler, Nasal Spray	Dry Powder Inhaler, Nebulizer Solution [1.7.2]

Studies have shown that fluticasone may produce slightly greater improvements in lung function measures when given at half the dose of beclomethasone, but dosage is always determined by a healthcare provider based on the patient's specific needs [1.7.2, 1.7.3].

Potential Side Effects and Management

Like all medications, beclomethasone has potential side effects. Most are localized to the area of use and can often be managed.

Local Side Effects (More Common):
- Inhaled: Hoarseness, sore throat, and oral thrush (white patches in the mouth) [1.5.2]. Rinsing the mouth with water after each use significantly reduces the risk of thrush [1.4.3].
- Nasal: Nasal irritation, stinging, sneezing, and occasional nosebleeds [1.5.1].
Systemic Side Effects (Rarer, associated with long-term, high-dose use):
- Slowed Growth in Children: Doctors will monitor growth in children using beclomethasone long-term [1.2.2].
- Bone Density Reduction: Long-term use may increase the risk of osteoporosis [1.5.3].
- Eye Problems: Increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma with prolonged use requires regular eye exams [1.5.3].
- Adrenal Suppression: The body's natural steroid production can be suppressed, which can be a concern during times of stress, illness, or surgery [1.5.1].

It is important to tell your doctor about any side effects you experience, especially signs of infection, as corticosteroids can weaken the immune response [1.5.2].

Conclusion

Beclomethasone is a well-established and effective inhaled corticosteroid used for the long-term management of chronic inflammatory airway diseases like asthma and allergic rhinitis [1.2.2, 1.4.4]. It works by reducing inflammation directly in the airways, thereby preventing symptoms before they start [1.2.2]. It is crucial to understand that it is a controller medication for daily use, not a rescue treatment for sudden breathing problems [1.2.3]. When used correctly and under the guidance of a healthcare provider, beclomethasone is a cornerstone of therapy that helps millions of people manage their respiratory conditions and maintain a better quality of life.

Learn more about Beclomethasone from MedlinePlus

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, beclomethasone is a synthetic medication that belongs to a class called corticosteroids, also known as steroids. It works by reducing inflammation [1.2.2, 1.3.5].

No, beclomethasone is a long-term controller medication and will not stop an asthma attack that has already begun. You should use a fast-acting rescue inhaler (like albuterol) for sudden attacks [1.2.3].

You may start to see an improvement in your symptoms within 24 hours, but it often takes between one and four weeks of consistent daily use to experience the full benefits [1.2.2].

You should rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each use to remove any leftover medication. This helps prevent local side effects, most notably oral thrush, which is a fungal infection [1.4.3, 1.5.2].

If you miss a dose, you should skip it and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed [1.2.2].

Yes, beclomethasone can be prescribed for children (often age 4 or 5 and older), but a doctor must determine the use and dose. Long-term use may affect a child's growth, so their doctor will monitor them carefully [1.2.2, 1.5.3].

For asthma, a common brand name is Qvar RediHaler [1.2.1]. For nasal allergies, common brand names include Beconase AQ and Qnasl [1.6.5].