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Home > Drug Category > Allergy Medication > Beconase Hayfever Aq Nasal Spray and Equivalent

Beconase Hayfever Aq Nasal Spray Information

Beconase Hayfever Aq Nasal Spray contains beclomethasone dipropionate, a potent corticosteroid used to prevent and treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. As a corticosteroid, its primary mechanism of action is to reduce inflammation and provide a vasoconstrictor effect in the nasal passages, which is a key component of allergic reactions. Beclomethasone dipropionate is a prodrug that, upon nasal application, is rapidly converted by enzymes into its active metabolite, beclomethasone-17-monopropionate (B-17-MP). This active metabolite has a high affinity for glucocorticoid receptors, which are found on the cells of the nasal mucosa.

By binding to these receptors, B-17-MP works to suppress the inflammatory response by inhibiting the activity of various inflammatory cells, such as mast cells, eosinophils, and lymphocytes, and reducing the production and release of inflammatory mediators like histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines. This comprehensive anti-inflammatory action helps to relieve the symptoms of hay fever, including sneezing, an itchy or runny nose, and nasal congestion. Because the medication acts directly on the nasal passages, its systemic absorption is minimized, which helps to reduce the risk of side effects associated with oral corticosteroids.

The therapeutic effect of Beconase is not immediate. While some relief may be felt within a few days, it can take up to two weeks of consistent use to achieve the full benefit. For this reason, it is often recommended to start using the spray a few days before the expected onset of hay fever symptoms. Beconase is an aqueous (water-based) formulation that is delivered via a metered-dose pump, ensuring a consistent and controlled amount of medication is administered with each spray.

Beconase Hayfever Aq Nasal Spray Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with Beconase are typically localized to the nasal passages. These may include a dry or irritated nose or throat, sneezing, an unpleasant taste or smell, or occasional nosebleeds (epistaxis). Other common side effects may include headaches, cough, or voice changes. These effects are generally mild and may subside with continued use.

While serious side effects are rare, it is essential to be aware of them. If you experience any of the following, you should stop using the medication and contact your doctor immediately:

• Infections: The use of corticosteroids can suppress the local immune response in the nasal passages, potentially leading to the development of localized infections. This can manifest as sores or white patches in the nose or throat, which could be a sign of a fungal infection like Candida (thrush).

• Nasal Septal Perforation: Prolonged use of nasal corticosteroids, especially at high doses or with improper application, can lead to damage to the nasal septum (the wall separating the nostrils), which may result in a whistling sound when breathing.

• Adrenal Suppression: Although rare with topical administration, high doses or long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This can affect the body's natural steroid production and may present with symptoms such as unusual tiredness, weakness, nausea, dizziness, or vomiting.

• Eye-related Side Effects: In sporadic cases, long-term use of intranasal corticosteroids has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights should be reported to a doctor.

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Though used to treat allergic symptoms, a severe allergic reaction to the medication itself is possible. Signs may include hives, a widespread rash, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and difficulty breathing.

Beconase Hayfever Aq Nasal Spray Precautions

Before using Beconase, it is essential to discuss your medical history with a healthcare provider. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to beclomethasone dipropionate or any of its inactive ingredients. It is also advised to exercise caution if you have a history of untreated infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal), including tuberculosis or ocular herpes simplex, recent nasal surgery, or a nasal injury, as the medication can impair wound healing and mask signs of infection.

Beconase is for nasal use only and should not be sprayed into the eyes or mouth. If accidental contact occurs, rinse the area thoroughly with water. It is crucial to follow the dosing instructions provided on the packaging or by your doctor, and to shake the bottle well before each use. To prevent damage to the nasal septum, a common practice is to spray the medication slightly away from the center of the nose, aiming toward the outer part of the nostril. If your symptoms do not improve after one to two weeks of regular use, or if they worsen, consult your doctor.

For pregnant or breastfeeding women, the use of Beconase should be discussed with a doctor. While animal studies have shown potential for fetal abnormalities at high systemic exposure, the low systemic absorption from nasal application suggests a lower risk. However, it is not known if beclomethasone is excreted into breast milk. Therefore, it should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks. Due to the risk of HPA axis suppression and potential growth retardation, particularly in children, healthcare providers may need to monitor children on long-term Beconase therapy. It is also important to note that if you are transitioning from oral corticosteroids to an intranasal spray, you should do so under a doctor's supervision, as you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Discard the bottle after the designated number of sprays has been used, even if it feels like there is still liquid inside.

Do I need a prescription to order Beconase Hayfever Aq Nasal Spray?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Beconase Hayfever Aq Nasal Spray.