Beckloforte

Beclofort is an anti-asthmatic drug for inhalation use. Let's consider the rules of its use, contraindications, dosage, etc.

The inhaler contains an active substance from the group of glucocorticosteroids, which are effective in persistent asthma of any severity. It has a comprehensive mechanism of action. The anti-inflammatory effect is based on the stabilization of biological membranes, and the reduction in capillary permeability explains the anti-edematous properties of the drug. It has pronounced antiproliferative properties, inhibits the proliferation and synthesis of fibroblasts, as well as sclerotic processes in the bronchial tree.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ]

Indications Beckloforte

The drug is used for long-term preventive treatment of severe asthma in adults and children, as well as for patients who require systemic steroids for adequate control of disease symptoms. Indications for the use of Beclofort are based on its effective anti-inflammatory effect on the lungs. The drug is the basis of a complex of preventive therapy for bronchial asthma.

[ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Release form

Beclofort is available as a metered dose aerosol for inhalation. 1 dose of aerosol contains 250 mcg of beclomethasone dipropionate (micronized) and 250 mcg of auxiliary components: oleic acid, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane. One canister is designed for 200 doses-injections.

Pharmacodynamics

The active substance of the drug is beclomethasone dipropionate, an analogue of glucocorticosteroid receptors. The pharmacodynamics of the drug is associated with hydrolysis by esterases and the formation of an active metabolite - beclomethasone-17-monopropionate, which has high anti-inflammatory activity.

[ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ]

Pharmacokinetics

Inhalation use of Beclofort is associated with systemic absorption of the active components through the lungs. Pharmacokinetics indicate insignificant oral absorption of a single dose that entered the digestive tract. During absorption of the active components, beclomethasone dipropionate is transformed into the active metabolite beclomethasone-17-monopropionate. Bioavailability is at the level of 60%.

The drug is rapidly eliminated from the systemic circulation through metabolism. The volume of distribution is moderate, plasma protein binding is 87%. The clearance of the active substance and its metabolite is about 150 l/hour, the half-life is 2.7 hours. 60% is excreted in feces, 12% in urine in the form of free metabolites.

[ 13 ], [ 14 ]

Dosing and administration

The anti-asthmatic drug is intended for inhalation. The method of administration and dosage of Beklofort is determined by the attending physician, based on the patient's age, the characteristics of his body and the course of the disease.

• For adults, children and elderly patients, 250 mcg is prescribed 3-4 times a day. In severe cases of the disease, the dosage can be increased to 1500 mcg/day. Once the therapeutic effect is achieved, the dosage should be reduced.
• For patients who require high doses of inhaled GCS, 1000 mcg per day is prescribed. The dosage is adjusted depending on the individual patient's reactions.

To achieve the optimal therapeutic effect, the drug must be used on a regular basis. For the treatment to be effective, it is very important to use the inhaler correctly. Let's consider the rules of use:

1. Remove the mouthpiece cap by pinching its side edges.
2. There should be no foreign objects inside or outside the inhaler or in its cap.
3. Shake the bottle well. Hold it so that your thumb is below the mouthpiece, the rest of your fingers should hold the base of the can.
4. Take a deep breath, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, but do not bite down.
5. Inhale through your mouth and press the top of the inhaler to spray the medicine. You need to breathe deeply and slowly.
6. Hold your breath and remove the inhaler from your mouth.
7. If you need to make a couple more injections, wait 30-40 seconds and repeat the entire procedure again.

If during inhalation the patient has difficulty synchronizing breathing with the device, then it is worth additionally using a spacer.

[ 19 ], [ 20 ]

Use Beckloforte during pregnancy

The possibility of using Beklofort during pregnancy is determined by the attending physician. It is necessary to take into account not only the expected benefit for the mother, but also the potential risk to the fetus. The active components of the drug are excreted in small quantities in breast milk. Based on this, the use of the aerosol during lactation is undesirable.

Contraindications

The anti-asthmatic drug is contraindicated for use in case of individual intolerance to its components. Treatment of bronchial asthma should be carried out in stages. During therapy, the patient's condition should be monitored by determining the indicators of external respiration function.

If the standard dosage does not stop astatic attacks and requires an increase, this indicates progression of the disease. In this case, the need for the drug should be reviewed. The drug is contraindicated for stopping acute asthma attacks. To alleviate the acute condition, it is necessary to use fast-acting inhaled bronchodilators. It is also contraindicated to suddenly stop treatment.

Beclofort is prescribed with special caution to patients with active and latent forms of pulmonary tuberculosis, with fungal, bacterial and viral lesions of the respiratory tract. The restriction applies to patients with lung abnormalities (bronchiectasis and pneumoconiosis), as there is a risk of developing a fungal infection.

[ 15 ], [ 16 ]

Side effects Beckloforte

Incorrect use of the inhaler can cause adverse symptoms in many organs and systems. Side effects of Beclofort are manifested by the following reactions:

• Infections and invasions – oral and pharyngeal candidiasis. Antifungal agents are used for treatment, but asthma therapy is not stopped.
• Immune system – urticaria, erythema, skin rash, angioedema of the face, oropharynx, various respiratory and anaphylactic reactions.
• Endocrine system – Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression, glaucoma, cataracts, growth retardation in children and adolescents.
• Mental disorders – anxiety, sleep and behavioral disorders, hyperactivity.
• Respiratory system – throat irritation and hoarseness, paradoxical bronchospasm.

If the side effects are severe, you should seek medical help and adjust the dosage.

[ 17 ], [ 18 ]

Overdose

Using doses higher than recommended may cause overdose symptoms. This manifests itself as temporary suppression of the adrenal cortex. Emergency care is not required, as the body's condition is restored within a few days. To verify this, you can measure the level of cortisol in the blood plasma.

Interactions with other drugs

Beclofort can be used in combination therapy for bronchial asthma. Interaction with other drugs is possible only on doctor's recommendations. The inhaler contains a small amount of ethanol, so when used in patients with hypersensitivity to this substance, there may be adverse reactions when used simultaneously with Metronidazole or Disulfiram.

[ 21 ], [ 22 ]

Storage conditions

According to the storage conditions, Beklofort should be kept in a place protected from sunlight and inaccessible to children. The recommended storage temperature is no higher than 30°C. Immediately after use, the inhaler should be closed with a cap. When using a chilled bottle, the therapeutic effect of the drug is reduced.

Before the first use and if there is a break in treatment of more than 10 days, the mouthpiece cap should be removed, pressing on the sides, shake the bottle well and make a test spray into the air. This is necessary to ensure that the device is working properly.

[ 23 ]

Shelf life

Beclofort must be used within 24 months from the date of manufacture. The expiration date is indicated on the canister and cardboard packaging of the drug. After this period, the bottle must be disposed of. The canister must not be broken, pierced or burned, even if it has already been completely used.