How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Beclomethasone nasal spray belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids. It is used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis.
This medication works by reducing swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages and relieves symptoms of allergic rhinitis (e.g., runny nose, stuffy nose). You should experience some improvement in your symptoms a few days after starting the medication, but it may take as long as 2 weeks to see the full effect of the medication.
Beclomethasone diproprionate nasal spray is also used to treat nasal polyps, to prevent their return after surgery, or to prevent their increase in size.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Rivanase AQ is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under beclomethasone nasal spray. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
How should I use this medication?
The usual recommended dose of beclomethasone nasal spray for adults and children over 6 years of age is 2 applications into each nostril twice daily. The daily dosage should not exceed 12 applications for adults or 8 applications for children.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
Use beclomethasone nasal spray exactly as prescribed by your doctor. To be effective, it must be used regularly.
To use the spray:
- Clear the nasal passage by gently blowing your nose.
- Tilt your head forward slightly, then insert the nozzle of the spray into one nostril and close the other nostril with your finger.
- Press down on the nozzle once while breathing in through the nose and keeping your mouth closed.
- Exhale through your mouth.
Repeat the same procedure with the other nostril. Use your right hand to spray the left nostril and the left hand to spray the right nostril. Then repeat the entire process for each nostril for the second application. Try to aim the first spray high into the nose and the second one into the lower half of the nose.
If you are not sure how to use the nasal spray, ask your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care professional.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not put this medication in the refrigerator. You should discard the spray after 3 months of first opening.
This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use beclomethasone nasal spray if you:
- are allergic to beclomethasone or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has active or quiescent (dormant) tuberculosis
- has untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral infections
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- cough
- dizziness
- dry nose
- headache
- irritation of the throat or sore throat
- nausea
- nosebleed
- sneezing
- stinging
- tiredness
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- crusting, white patches, or sores inside nose
- stomach pain
- white patches on throat
- symptoms of vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, seeing halos of bright colours around lights, red eyes, increased pressure in your eyes, eye pain or discomfort)
Stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of eyes, throat, or face; skin rash; hives; difficulty breathing)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Growth in children and adolescents: Corticosteroids such as beclomethasone nasal spray may impair the growth of children and adolescents. Your doctor will monitor for this. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Infection: Corticosteroids such as beclomethasone can mask the signs of infection. You can also develop other infections such as a fungal throat infection. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you develop any new symptoms.
Medical conditions: If you have asthma, thyroid problems, or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Other corticosteroid medications: If you have been taking oral corticosteroids and are starting beclomethasone nasal spray, your doctor should carefully monitor your condition. Changing from the oral form to the nasal spray can cause symptoms such as tiredness, aches, pains, and depression. Tell your doctor if you have used or are using other corticosteroids. Your doctor will monitor you while you are taking this medication.
Stopping treatment: Treatment with beclomethasone should be tapered off gradually as directed by your doctor, not stopped abruptly. Talk with your doctor before stopping this medication.
Vision problems: Corticosteroids such as beclomethasone nasal spray may cause glaucoma or cataracts. Report any vision changes to your doctor immediately. If you have glaucoma or cataracts, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Wound healing: Beclomethasone nasal spray can impair the ability of wounds to heal. This medication should be avoided if you have recently had nasal surgery or nasal trauma until wounds have completely healed.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if beclomethasone nasal spray passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under 6 years of age.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between beclomethasone nasal spray and any of the following:
- acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
- esketamine
- other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
If you are taking any medications containing this drug, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or illegal drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Rivanase-AQ
