Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray

What is Beconase-Aqueous?

Beconase-Aqueous is a nasal spray which prevents hay fever symptoms from flaring up. It’s also used for other nasal allergies like dust mites or pet hair. 

How does Beconase-Aqueous work?

Beconase-Aqueous contains synthetic versions of the hormones produced by the adrenal gland. These hormones fight inflammation and control the body’s response to allergens. The active ingredient is Beclometasone which is a corticosteroid, more commonly known as a steroid. This is released into the nose through the spray to soothe inflamed nostrils and reduce symptoms like sneezing and a blocked, itchy or runny nose.

Can I use Beconase-Aqueous with other hay fever treatments?

Beconase-Aqueous can be used alongside antihistamine tablets or eye drops for hay fever. You should discuss any other medicines you are taking, or plan to take, with your pharmacist to make sure the combination is suitable.

How long does Beconase-Aqueous take to work?

It can take a few days for Beconase-Aqueous to work so it’s best to start taking it a week before pollen season so that you are protected against hay fever symptoms before they begin. 

Does Beconase-Aqueous help other allergies?

Beconase-Aqueous will help with any nasal allergies such as dust mites and pet hair alongside hay fever.   

Active ingredients

Beclometasone is the active ingredient in Beconase-Aqueous which is a type of steroid that reduces inflammation.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients are: microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrose, polysorbate 80, purified water, benzalkonium chloride and phenylethylalcohol.

Please Note: Inactive ingredients can vary between different brands of generic medication.

How to use Beconase-Aqueous

Shake the canister vigorously before use. If it’s your first time using it, or if you haven’t used it in a while, then you’ll need to prepare the spray by pressing down on the release button six times. Once you see a fine mist being released, the medicine is ready for use. Tilt your head back slightly and spray into your nostrils as you breathe in. It needs to be replaced or thrown out three months after opening to prevent contamination from dirt or bacteria. 

Beconase-Aqueous dosage

The standard dose is two sprays in each nostril once a day. This can be increased to a total of four sprays each over a 24 hour period if necessary. You should lower the dose once you start to feel better and always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. 

Beconase-Aqueous side effects

You may experience:

• A burning or stinging sensation inside the nose
• A crusty or dry feeling in the nose
• Dryness or irritation in the throat
• Nosebleeds 
• Redness, swelling or itching in the nose 

In rare cases, Beconase- Aqueous can cause extra pressure in the eye, leading to glaucoma or cataracts developing. Blurred vision is a warning sign of this. In children, long term use can interfere with their growth.  

Contraindications

Beconase-Aqueous is suitable for most people to use but may not be advised for the following groups:

• Pregnant women
• If you’ve recently had surgery on your nose
• Tuberculosis sufferers
• Patients taking other forms of steroid treatments 
• People who are allergic to steroids  

Drug interactions

It’s always advised to inform your doctor of any additional medicines you are taking, including herbal remedies, in case they interact with your Beconase-Aqueous prescription. In particular, the following medicines may be affected by the nasal spray:

• Additional steroid treatments
• HIV medication
• Asthma treatments  

Beconase-Aqueous and pregnancy

You should ask for advice from a doctor before using Beconase-Aqueous during pregnancy. It’s not fully known if it is safe or not. 

Beconase-Aqueous and alcohol

Alcohol will not have an adverse affect on you while taking Beconase-Aqueous. 

Beconase-Aqueous and driving

The nasal spray won’t affect your ability to drive.  

Beconase-Aqueous vs over the counter nasal sprays

Over the counter nasal sprays are available to treat hay fever and allergies. These may contain cromolyn sodium, an anti-inflammatory taken as a preventative measure before being exposed to an allergy. Dristan and Afrin are taken as decongestants but are not effective for allergies. Some pharmacy branded nasal sprays contain steroids and work in a similar way to Beconase-Aqueous. Getting a prescription medicine is the best way to ensure your allergy symptoms will be kept at bay.

Alternatives to Beconase-Aqueous

There are other types of nasal sprays that are effective at treating hay fever and allergy symptoms. Avamys is another steroid nasal spray, Rhinolast is an antihistamine and Dymista is a combination of the two. Your doctor will be able to prescribe the best treatment for you depending on your symptoms, allergies and medical history. 

Is Beconase-Aqueous a steroid?

Beconase-Aqueous contains steroids as the active ingredient. It’s a very small dose however and it’s different to the type of steroids used by bodybuilders to enhance performance- these are called anabolic steroids.   

Can Beconase-Aqueous be used to help asthma?

If you have both asthma and hay fever then Beconase-Aqueous will help your asthma if pollen is one of your triggers. Treating your hay fever symptoms will help to manage your asthma.

Does Beconase-Aqueous help colds?

Beconase-Aqueous is only available for hay fever or allergy sufferers. It treats the inflammation caused by being exposed to an allergen and does not treat the cold virus.

Is long term use of Beconase Aqueous safe?

Beconase- Aqueous is safe to use provided you take it correctly at the dose suggested. If you are on a high dose for a long time then you may get side effects associated with steroid tablets. These include mood changes, difficulty sleeping, increased appetite, high blood pressure and a weakening of the bones. 

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• NHS > Steroid Nasal Sprays
• AsthmaUK > Hay Fever