Beconase
Pronunciation: be-klo-METH-a-sone dye-PRO-pee-oh-nate.
- Generic name
- beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate
- Brand names
- BECONASE, BECONASE AQ
- Drug class
- Intranasal corticosteroid
- Form
- Aqueous nasal spray suspension
- Route
- Nasal spray
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate is and how it works
Beconase (beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate) is an intranasal corticosteroid spray that reduces inflammation in the nasal passages. It is used to relieve symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, nonallergic (vasomotor) rhinitis, and to help prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps after surgical removal. (1)
Beconase AQ is intended for regular, ongoing use. Significant symptom relief was observed within 3 days in clinical studies, though some people may take up to 2 weeks. Discuss with the prescriber whether this medicine remains appropriate if no improvement is seen beyond 3 weeks of continued use.
Mechanism of action: how beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate works
Not established from the sources reviewed: pharmacological mechanism detail was not established in the sources reviewed for this page beyond its classification as an intranasal corticosteroid. (1)
What beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate is used for
Allergic rhinitis
For relief of the nasal symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children aged 6 years and older. (1)
Nonallergic (vasomotor) rhinitis
For relief of the nasal symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis in adults and children aged 6 years and older. (1)
Prevention of recurrence of nasal polyps after surgery
May be used to help prevent the recurrence of nasal polyps following surgical removal. (1)
Before taking beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate
Do not take / not appropriate for
- This product should not be used by anyone with a known hypersensitivity to beclomethasone dipropionate or any ingredient in this preparation. (all products) (1)
Tell your clinician about
- Any known hypersensitivity to beclomethasone or any nasal spray ingredient.
- If you have recently had nasal septal ulcers, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma; a doctor should assess whether use is appropriate until healing has occurred.
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- If you are taking, have recently taken, or are reducing any corticosteroid medicine (tablets, inhalers, injections, creams, or nasal sprays).
- Any exposure to chickenpox or measles, particularly if you have a condition affecting the immune system or are using immune-suppressing medicines.
- For use in a child, whether prolonged treatment is expected and the plan for growth monitoring.
How to take beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate
- Beconase AQ is sprayed into each nostril according to the prescriber's directions, typically twice daily.
- Shake the bottle well before each use.
- The full benefit may take from several days up to 2 weeks of regular daily use.
- Do not change the dose or stop treatment without consulting the prescribing clinician.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
The label states that effectiveness depends on regular use at regular intervals; it does not give specific missed-dose instructions. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed one. Contact the prescriber if you are unsure how to manage missed doses.
Overdose
Acute overdose from a single bottle is considered unlikely because one bottle contains beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate equivalent to 10.5 mg of beclomethasone dipropionate. However, chronic excessive doses may lead to symptoms of hypercorticism and adrenal suppression; this requires medical assessment so the clinician can manage any necessary gradual dose reduction. Seek medical advice if overuse is suspected. (1)
Side effects
Many people use Beconase without noticeable side effects. Effects can vary, and the list below reflects what has been reported in clinical studies and post-marketing experience with this product.
Mild nasopharyngeal irritation
What to notice: Mild irritation, discomfort, or dryness in the nose and upper throat.
What to do: Reported in up to 24% of patients. Discuss with the prescriber if this is persistent or troublesome. (1)
Sneezing attacks
What to notice: Occasional sneezing after use.
What to do: Reported in about 4% of patients. If frequent or bothersome, discuss with the prescriber. (1)
Headache, nausea, or lightheadedness
What to notice: Headache, feeling sick, or lightheadedness.
What to do: Each reported in fewer than 5 per 100 patients. Discuss with the prescriber if persistent. (1)
Nasal stuffiness, nosebleeds, runny nose, or eye tearing
What to notice: A congested feeling, minor bleeding, increased discharge, or watery eyes.
What to do: Each reported in fewer than 3 per 100 patients. Tell the prescriber if these become bothersome. (1)
Loss of taste or smell, or unpleasant taste
What to notice: Perception of a bad taste or reduced/loss of taste or smell.
What to do: These have been reported rarely. Discuss with the prescriber if they occur. (1)
Symptoms of hypercorticism or adrenal suppression
What to notice: Menstrual irregularities, acne-like skin lesions, cataracts, or cushingoid features.
What to do: Contact the prescribing clinician for assessment, particularly if using higher-than-recommended doses. (1)
Visual changes or eye problems
What to notice: Blurred vision, eye pain, or other visual disturbances.
What to do: Report these to the prescriber; rare instances of cataracts, glaucoma, and increased intraocular pressure have been reported. (1)
Nose or throat infection (candida)
What to notice: Signs of a localized Candida infection in the nose or throat.
What to do: Localized Candida albicans infection has occurred rarely. Seek medical assessment as treatment discontinuation and local antifungal treatment may be required, guided by a clinician. (1)
Serious warnings
Hypersensitivity or allergic reaction — emergency
Symptoms: Rare immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, urticaria (hives), angioedema, rash, and bronchospasm.
Action: Seek emergency medical attention immediately and let the clinician seen advise on whether to continue or stop the medicine. (1)
Nasal septal perforation — contact_clinician
Symptoms: Signs of nasal septal perforation.
Action: Rare instances have been spontaneously reported. Contact the prescriber for assessment. (1)
Reduced growth in children — monitor
Symptoms: Slower-than-expected increase in height over time.
Action: Long-term use requires routine growth monitoring (e.g., stadiometry) by the prescriber. In a controlled 12-month trial, children using beclomethasone nasal spray grew at a mean rate of 4.75 cm/year compared with 6.20 cm/year with placebo. The clinician should aim to titrate each patient to the lowest dose that effectively controls symptoms. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Other corticosteroid medicines | Replacing systemic corticosteroids with Beconase requires careful clinician monitoring. Excessive doses of any corticosteroid may contribute to hypercorticism and adrenal suppression. | Give the prescriber a complete list of all corticosteroid medicines (tablets, inhalers, injections, creams, nasal sprays) being used. (1) |
| Immune-suppressing medicines | People using immune-suppressing drugs are more susceptible to infections, including chickenpox and measles, which can be more serious in this population. | Tell the prescriber about any immune-suppressing treatment. Seek medical advice promptly if exposed to chickenpox or measles. (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Children and adolescents
Safety and effectiveness of Beconase have been established for children aged 6 years and older. It is not recommended for children under 6 years. Prolonged use in pediatric patients requires growth-velocity monitoring, and each patient should be titrated to the lowest effective dose to minimize systemic effects. (1)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
No adequate well-controlled studies have been conducted in pregnant women. The label states it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Infants born to mothers who received corticosteroids during pregnancy should be observed by their clinician for hypoadrenalism. It is not known whether beclomethasone dipropionate is excreted in human milk; because other corticosteroids are excreted in human milk, caution is advised when Beconase is used by a nursing woman. Discuss the balance of benefits and risks with the prescriber. (1)
Monitoring
Before starting
- Assess the condition of the nasal mucosa; use of a nasal corticosteroid in patients who have recently had nasal septal ulcers, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma should be deferred until healing has occurred.
- Review any history of hypersensitivity or previous corticosteroid use.
During treatment
- Monitor for signs of hypercorticism, adrenal suppression, or local infection (including Candida), and refer to a clinician if suspected.
- Reassess response to treatment; the label notes that the medicine should not be continued beyond 3 weeks without symptomatic improvement, a decision to be made with the prescriber.
- For pediatric patients, perform routine growth monitoring (e.g., stadiometry) and adjust to the lowest effective dose.
Storage
Store between 15–30°C (59–86°F). Shake the bottle well before each use.
Study the drug class: Inhaled and intranasal corticosteroids
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This summary is drawn from the US Beconase AQ prescribing label; use the current local product information for your country and practice setting.
United States (per FDA label)
Indication: Beconase AQ nasal spray
Dose summary: Adults and children 12 years and older: 1–2 sprays (42–84 mcg) per nostril twice daily (168–336 mcg/day total). Children 6–12 years: starting dose 1 spray per nostril twice daily (168 mcg/day); for inadequate response, up to 2 sprays per nostril twice daily (336 mcg/day maximum); once controlled, maintenance may be decreased to 1 spray per nostril twice daily. Not recommended under age 6. Doses are to be confirmed and titrated by the responsible prescriber.
Renal context: No specific renal or hepatic impairment dosing guidance was identified in the reviewed label; individual specialist assessment is required for patients with significant organ impairment. (1)
Hepatic guidance
No hepatic-impairment-specific dosing was provided in the label reviewed; individual specialist assessment is required.
Overdose note
Acute overdose from a single bottle is unlikely. Chronic excessive doses may cause hypercorticism and adrenal suppression, which should be managed with clinician-directed gradual dose reduction rather than abrupt discontinuation. (1)
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does Beconase work?
Significant symptom relief may be obtained within 3 days of regular use. Some people, however, may not experience full benefit for up to 2 weeks. If no improvement is seen beyond 3 weeks of continued use, speak with your prescriber about whether continuing treatment is appropriate. (1)
Can Beconase be used in children?
Beconase has been studied and is indicated for children aged 6 years and older. It is not recommended for use in children under 6 years. Prolonged use in children requires regular growth monitoring by the prescriber, and the dose should be kept to the lowest amount that controls symptoms. (1)
Does Beconase interact with other medicines?
The prescribing label reviewed does not specify particular drug-drug interactions. However, people taking other corticosteroid medicines or immune-suppressing drugs should fully inform their prescriber. Seek medical advice promptly about any exposure to chickenpox or measles if you are using immune-suppressing treatment. (1)
What is the mechanism of action of beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate?
Not established from the sources reviewed: pharmacological mechanism detail was not established in the sources reviewed for this page beyond its classification as an intranasal corticosteroid. (1)
What is the generic name of Beconase?
The generic name is beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate. It is sold under brand names including BECONASE, BECONASE AQ. (1)
What class of drug is beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate?
Beconase is classed as: Intranasal corticosteroid. (1)
References
- BECONASE AQ — beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate spray, suspensionU.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-05 · source 1
- Beclomethasone Nasal Spray — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
- beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1348)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient beclomethasone dipropionate monohydrate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- QVAR REDIHALER40 ug, 80 ug · teva respiratory, llc
- QNASL80 ug, 40 ug · teva respiratory, llc
Canada
- QVAR
- PROPADERM
- RIVANASE AQ.NASAL SPRAY 50MCG/METERED DOSE
- MYLAN-BECLO AQ