Beconase Nasal Spray

What is Beconase and what is it used for?

Many people suffer from allergies, which for some can lead to allergic rhinitis causing symptoms such as:

• Itching inside the nose
• Congestion and a runny nose

Allergic rhinitis is where the nasal passages become inflamed and itchy in response to an invading allergen such as hayfever or dust mites.

To combat these symptoms, using a steroid nasal spray, such as Beconase has proven to provide effective relief.

For the best results, Beconase Nasal Spray should be started a few days before you are exposed to your rhinitis triggering allergen as it can take 2-3 days before you will experience its full effects.

Following this, you should continue to use Beconase regularly to help keep the symptoms at bay. Beconase can be used in conjunction with other hay fever treatments, such as antihistamines including cetirizine, loratadine and Piriton.

Beconase Nasal Spray contains 50 micrograms of the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate. It is available to purchase online in bottles of approximately 200 metred sprays and is suitable for use by adults and children over the age of 6 years.

How does Beconase work?

Beconase Nasal Spray is applied directly to the nasal passages where the active ingredient is absorbed into the cells, it is here that it inhibits the cells from producing the chemicals that trigger an allergic response.

This prevents or reverses symptoms such as itching and congestion caused by inflammation.

Alternatives to Beconase

There are many non-prescription alternatives to Beconase Nasal Spray that offer similar properties when improving symptoms of allergies. These include antihistamine tablets and liquids for more generalised allergic symptoms.

Alternative steroid nasal sprays such as Benacort and the generic Beclometasone are also available to buy online.

Eye Drops such as Opticrom may also be very beneficial for those that suffer from allergy symptoms that specifically affect their eyes.

For full details on hay fever and allergy treatments please take a look at our Advice for Hayfever page.

Sources

• Beconase Nasal Spray, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/844/pil
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

How to use Beconase

Adults and children over the age of 6 years:

Use 2 sprays into each nostril, twice a day. When symptoms improve, the dose can be reduced to; 1 spray into each nostril twice daily.

1. Shake the bottle and take off the dust cap.
2. Blow your nose gently.
3. Close one nostril with your finger, and put the nozzle in the other nostril. Tilt your head
   forward slightly and keep the bottle upright.
4. Start to breathe in slowly through your nose. While you are breathing in press down firmly on the collar with your fingers. A spray of fine mist will go into your nostril.
5. Breathe out through your mouth.
6. After using your spray, wipe the nozzle carefully with a clean tissue and replace the dust cap.

Beconase ingredients

Beconase Nasal Spray contains the active ingredient: Beclometasone Dipropionate 50 micrograms.

This medicine also contains several inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrose, polysorbate 80, purified water and the preservatives benzalkonium chloride and phenylethylalcohol.

Beconase side effects

Not everyone who uses Beconase Nasal Spray will experience side effects. However, if you do they can include:

• Eye problems, such as pain or blurred vision
• Nasal problems, such as pain or persistent bleeding
• Irritation of the nose or throat
• Noticing unpleasant tastes or smells

These side effects are rare, affecting up to 1 in 1000. If you are concerned about any of these side effects, or if the medicine affects you in any other way, stop using it and speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Beconase warnings

Please read the following warnings carefully to help make sure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Do not use Beconase Nasal Spray if:

• You are allergic to any of its ingredients
• You are under 6 years of age

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using Beconase Nasal Spray if any of the following apply:

• You have an infection or ulcers in your nose
• You have recently had surgery or suffered an injury to your nose
• If your symptoms have not improved after 14 days of treatment

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have taken, or are intending to take any other medicines. Particularly, corticosteroid medicines, which include asthma inhalers, eczema creams, nasal sprays, injections, tablets, and eye/nose drops.

Do not use Beclometasone Nasal Spray for longer than 3 months, unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor.

Beconase Nasal Spray contains benzalkonium chloride, which can cause problems with your breathing (bronchospasm).

Please read all product packaging and the accompanying Patient Information Leaflet prior to use.