Clenil Modulite

What is Clenil Modulite?

Clenil Modulite is a type of steroid inhaler used to treat asthma. It's known as a preventer inhaler which is used everyday to manage the symptoms of the respiratory condition. The inhaler is prescribed for asthma sufferers who need to use their blue Ventolin inhaler more than twice a week.

How effective is Clenil Modulite?

Clenil Modulite is very effective at managing asthma provided it is taken correctly. Everyone's asthma is different however. If your asthma is severe then you may need additional treatment such as steroid tablets. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and prescribe you with your own personal treatment plan which may include Clenil Modulite.

How long does it take for Clenil Modulite to work?

Your breathing will start to improve after 3-7 days of using Clenil Modulite. This preventer inhaler is a long term treatment so you should continue to take it even if you feel better and your symptoms are relieved. 

Active ingredients

Beclometasone dipropionate is the active ingredient. 

Inactive ingredients

The other ingredients contained in Clenil Modulite are glycerol, ethanol and the CFC-free propellant norflurane.

Clenil Modulite dosage

Your prescribed dose of Clenil Modulite will depend on the severity of your symptoms. The minimum dose per day is 200mg, or 100mg for children. The strength of the inhaler itself will either be 50, 100, 200 or 250mg.  So if your medicine produces 50mg per inhalation then you would take four puffs a day; two in the morning and two at night.

How to take Clenil Modulite

You should always use your inhaler as your doctor has told you. The first time you use it, release a puff into the air to make sure it's working. When you're ready, hold the inhaler upright with your thumb underneath the mouthpiece and breath out comfortably. Seal your lips around the mouthpiece and start to breathe in slowly. At the same time, press down on the canister to release a puff. After inhaling, hold your breath for up to ten seconds before exhaling slowly. If you are taking another puff, wait for 30 seconds before repeating and always replace the cap after use.

What should I do if I forget to take Clenil Modulite?

Clenil Modulite is usually taken twice a day. If you forget a dose, then just take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due, then just skip the missed dose. You shouldn't double up the dose.

What should I do if I find I’ve used Clenil modulite more regularly than I should have?

If you have taken Clenil Modulite more frequently than your prescription states, you should inform your doctor as soon as you can. They may take a blood sample to assess the cortisol levels in your blood.

Clenil Modulite side effects

Common side effects with using Clenil Modulite include: 

• Oral thrush
• Sore throat or tongue
• Hoarse voice
• Rinsing your mouth with water or brushing your teeth after using the inhaler may help to prevent this.

Less common side effects may include itching, rashes and redness which are signs of an allergic reaction. Rare side effects may include:

• Swollen face, throat, eyes or lips
• Abnormal steroid production in the body
• Slowed growth in children
• Thinning and weakening of the bones  

Contraindications

Clenil Modulite should not be used if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or for the relief of an asthma attack. If you experience feelings of breathlessness, tightness in the chest, wheezing or coughing then you need to use your reliever inhaler. 

Alert your doctor if:

• You have ever been treated for tuberculosis 
• You cannot have alcohol 
• Your asthma is getting worse  

Drug interactions

You should tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, or planning to, before you start on Clenil Modulite to make sure that they won't interact. This includes herbal remedies. Particular care should be taken when taking other medicines that contain corticosteroids as this can increase the risk of side effects. 

Why do I need to use Clenil Modulite regularly?

Clenil Modulite needs to be used regularly to stop asthma symptoms from occurring. This inhaler is a way of controlling your condition to prevent asthma attacks and reduce your need for your reliever inhaler. 

Will Clenil Modulite treat an asthma attack?

Clenil Modulite cannot be used to treat an asthma attack. If you experience an asthma attack then always use your reliever inhaler which is usually blue in colour. Clenil Modulite only works by keeping your symptoms under control, reducing inflammation in the lungs.

Can Clenil Modulite be used for COPD?

Steroid inhalers such as Clenil Modulite can also be used for COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

What does Clenil Modulite taste like?

Clenil Modulite can have an unpleasant taste. You may notice this if the spray from your inhaler hits the back of your throat or mouth instead of going straight to the lungs as it should. 

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• NHS > Steroid Inhalers