Beclometasone
Also known as: Clenil, Qvar, Becotide, Brown inhaler, Preventer inhaler
What it's for
Beclometasone is a preventer inhaler for asthma. It contains a steroid that reduces swelling in your airways. Use it every day to stop asthma symptoms and attacks.
Comes as: Inhaler
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 1 or 2 puffs, twice a day (morning and evening).
- Use it every day, even when you feel well.
- Rinse your mouth with water after each use to prevent oral thrush.
- It may take a few days to a week to start working fully.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Sore throat or hoarse voice
- Oral thrush (white patches in your mouth)
- Cough
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not use this inhaler to treat sudden asthma attacks - use your blue reliever instead
- Rinsing your mouth after use helps prevent thrush
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB)
- Do not stop taking it suddenly without medical advice
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have an asthma attack that your reliever inhaler does not help
- Your breathing gets worse despite using your inhalers
- You develop white patches in your mouth that do not go away
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.