Ascon 250 Inhaler

Ascon 250 Inhaler

DESCRIPTION

Beclometasone Dipropionate (Ascon) is a synthetic halogenated corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activity. Beclometasone

Dipropionate (Ascon) given by inhalation has a potent glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory action within the lungs without the side effects observed when steroids are administered systemically. When used as an Inhaler, the medication goes directly into the lungs and very little finds its way into the rest of the body.

COMPOSITION

Each actuation delivers Beclometasone Dipropionate BP 250 mcg .

INDICATIONS

Ascon is indicated for the management of patients with bronchial asthma including :

• Patients whose asthma is inadequately controlled by bronchodilator therapy alone and asthma is becoming worse.

• Patients whose asthma is not controlled by the combined use of bronchodilator and sodium cromoglycate.

• Patients with severe asthma being treated with systemic corticosteroid or synthetic or actual adrenocorticotropic derived hormone (ACTH).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Maximum therapeutic benefit may be achieved in 1-3 months from any of corticosteroid inhalation therapy. Patients should be given a starting dose of inhaled Beclometasone Dipropionate that is appropriate for the severity of their disease. The dose may then be adjusted until asthma is controlled or reduced to the minimum effective dose according to individual response. Adults

The usual recommended dose is 200 mcg (2 Inhalations) twice daily. In more severe cases dosage may be started at or increased to 600 to 800 mcg per day, and subsequently reduced when the patient's asthma has established. The total daily dose may be administered as two, three or four divided doses. Children The usual starting dose is 100 mcg (1 Inhalation) twice daily. Sometimes patients may require 100 mcg or 200 mcg (1 or 2 Inhalations) twice daily.

OR AS DIRECTED BY THE PHYSICIAN.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Beclometasone is contraindicated to the patients hypersensitive to it or any of its components. Special care is necessary in patients with active or quiescent pulmonary tuberculosis.

PRECAUTIONS

Patients should be instructed on the proper use of the Inhalers to ensure that the drug reaches the target areas within the lungs. The maximum daily administration of Beclometasone Inhaler should not exceed 1 mg. Significant reduction in plasma cortisone levels has been reported in patients who receive twice this amount.They should also be made aware that Beclometasone Inhaler has to be used regularly for optimum benefit. Patients should be made aware of the prophylactic nature of therapy with Beclometasone Inhaler and it should be taken regularly, even when they are asymptomatic.Treatment with Ascon Inhaler should not be stopped abruptly.

SIDE EFFECTS

Candidiasis of the mouth and throat may occur in some patients,

the incidence of which is increased with doses greater than 400 mcg Beclometasone Dipropionate per day. Patients with high blood levels of Candida precipitins, indicating a previous infection, are most likely to develop this complication. Symptomatic Candidiasis can be treated with topical antifungal therapy whilst still continuing with the Beclometasone Inhaler. In some patients, inhaled

Beclometasone Dipropionate may cause hoarseness or throat irritation. It may be helpful to rinse mouth with water immediately after inhalation. As with other inhalation therapy, the potential for paradoxical bronchospasm should be kept in mind. If it occurs, the preparation should be discontinued immediately and alternative therapy instituted.

Use in pregnancy

The use of Beclometasone Dipropionate in pregnancy requires that the possible benefits of the drug be weighed against the possible hazards. It should be noted that the drug has been in widespread use for many years without apparent ill consequence.

Use in lactation

No specific studies examining the transference of Beclometasone

Dipropionate into the milk of lactating animals have been performed. It is reasonable to assume that Beclo-metasone

Dipropionate is secreted in milk but at the dosages used for direct inhalation there is low potential for significant levels in breast milk.The use of Beclometasone Dipropionate in mothers breast feeding their babies requires that the therapeutic benefits of the drug be weighed against the potential hazards to the mother and baby.

SUPPLY

Each canister contains 200 metered doses, each containing 250 mcg of Beclometasone Dipropionate BP.