Beconase Nasal Spray

Use Beconase exactly as directed by your pharmacist, prescriber or the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Beconase is used in the nose only. Shake the bottle and remove the dust cap before use. If the spray is new, or has not been used for a few days, it may need to be primed by pumping until a fine mist appears.

Gently blow your nose before use. Close one nostril, place the nozzle into the other nostril, tilt your head slightly forward and keep the bottle upright. Breathe in slowly through your nose while pressing the spray. Then breathe out through your mouth. Repeat as directed for the other nostril.

Adults and children aged 6 years and over are commonly advised to start with two sprays into each nostril twice daily, where suitable. The usual maximum is eight sprays in 24 hours. Your clinician may reduce the dose once symptoms are controlled. Do not use more often or at a higher dose than advised.

Beconase should be used regularly. It may take a few days to work, so continue using it as directed even if you do not feel better straight away. Do not stop treatment suddenly unless advised, as symptoms may return.

Clean the spray at least once a week, or more often if it becomes blocked. Do not try to unblock the nozzle with a pin or sharp object, as this can damage the spray.

If symptoms do not improve, worsen, or you need treatment for longer than expected, seek further clinical advice.

Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray contains beclometasone dipropionate as the active ingredient.

Each spray delivers 50 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate.

Other ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrose, polysorbate 80, purified water, benzalkonium chloride and phenylethyl alcohol.

Beconase contains benzalkonium chloride. This may cause irritation or swelling inside the nose, especially with long-term use, and may cause wheezing or breathing difficulties in some people with asthma.

Some people experience side effects while using Beconase. Possible side effects can include sneezing shortly after use, an unpleasant taste or smell, dry or painful nose or throat, and nosebleeds.

Seek medical advice if you develop bad nosebleeds, persistent nasal irritation, nasal pain, signs of damage inside the nose, blurred vision or other visual disturbance.

Serious allergic reactions are rare but require urgent medical help. Stop using Beconase and seek urgent medical advice if you become very wheezy, have difficulty breathing, develop swelling around the face or throat, collapse, or lose consciousness.

Very rare side effects can include cataracts, increased pressure in the eye, damage to the nose, skin rash, itching, hives or effects on natural steroid production, particularly with high doses used for a long time.

Beconase is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used if you are allergic to beclometasone dipropionate or any ingredient in the spray. Extra clinical review may be needed if you have a nasal infection, recent nasal surgery, nasal injury, frequent nosebleeds, long-term steroid use, glaucoma, cataracts, asthma, pregnancy or breastfeeding considerations, or symptoms that do not fit typical allergic rhinitis.

Tell your clinician about all medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and herbal products. Some medicines may increase the effects of Beconase, including some HIV medicines such as ritonavir or cobicistat.

Do not use Beconase in children under 6 years old unless specifically advised by an appropriate clinician. Children using steroid nasal sprays for long periods may need monitoring.

Suitability depends on your symptoms, age, nasal health, medical history, current medicines, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, allergy history and clinical assessment. Medicine is supplied only where clinically appropriate.