Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Beclometasone dipropionate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for
Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray (called 'Beconase' in this leaflet) contains a medicine called beclometasone dipropionate. This belongs to a group of medicines called steroids (also called 'cortico-steroids'). • steroids work by reducing inflammation • they reduce swelling and irritation in your nose • this helps to relieve itching, sneezing and your blocked or runny nose. Beconase is used to prevent and treat: • Inflammation in the lining of your nose (rhinitis) due to seasonal allergies, such as Hayfever. • Inflammation in the lining of your nose (rhinitis) due to year round (perennial) allergies, such as animal allergies.
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What you need to know before you take it
e Beconase
Do not use Beconase if: • you are allergic to beclometasone dipropionate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances. Other medicines and Beconase Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. This includes herbal medicines. Some medicines may increase the effects of Beconase and your doctor may wish to monitor you carefully if you are taking these medicines (including some medicines for HIV: ritonavir, cobicistat). Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using your medicine if: • you have had steroids for a long time, either as an injection or by your mouth. • you have ever had an operation on your nose • you have an infection in your nose If you are unsure if the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Beconase. Beconase with food and drink
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You can use Beconase at any time of day, with or without food. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines Beconase is not likely to affect you being able to drive or use any tools or machines. Beconase contains 0.02 mg benzalkonium chloride in each spray. Benzalkonium chloride may cause irritation or swelling inside the nose, especially if used for a long time. Benzalkonium chloride may cause wheezing and breathing difficulties (bronchospasm), especially if you have asthma.
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How to take it
Beconase
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
- Do not use in children under 6 years old
- It takes a few days for this medicine to work. So keep using it, even though you may not feel better straight away.
- You should use the spray every day. How much to use – adults and children (aged 6 and over) • The usual starting dose is 2 sprays into each nostril twice a day. • The most you would use in over 24 hours is normally 8 sprays (4 sprays per nostril). • As you become better, your doctor may ask you to use a lower dose – one spray into each nostril twice a day. • If your symptoms then get worse, your dose may be increased back to the starting dose. • Do not use a larger dose or use your nasal spray more often than your doctor tells you. If you use high doses of Beconase There are times when your doctor may need to adjust the dose of the steroid you are given or the way in which you take it. These times are:
- times of extreme stress
- during admission to hospital after a serious accident, injury or illness
- before and after a surgical operation. If you think that any of these apply to you whilst using Beconase, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Preparing your spray Each spray has a dust cap which protects the nozzle and keeps it clean. Remember to take this off before using the spray. A new spray (or one that has not been used for a few days), may not work first time. You need to 'prime' the spray by pumping the spray a few times until a fine mist is produced. 1. Hold the bottle as shown and make sure it is pointed away from you 2. Put your forefinger and middle finger on the collar either side of the nozzle and put your thumb underneath the bottle 3. Keep your thumb still, and press down with your fingers to pump the spray.
•
If the spray does not work and you think it may be blocked, you will need to clean it. Please see the section over the page, Cleaning your spray. 2
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Never try to unblock or enlarge the tiny spray hole with a pin or other sharp object. This will damage the way the spray works.
Please turn over the page Using your spray 1 Shake the bottle and take off the dust cap. 2 Blow your nose gently. 3 Close one nostril with your finger as shown, and put the nozzle in the other nostril. Tilt your head forward slightly and keep the bottle upright. Hold the bottle as shown.
4 Start to breathe in slowly through your nose. While you are breathing in press down firmly on the collar with your fingers. A spray of fine mist will go into your nostril. 5 Breathe out through your mouth. 6 Repeat step 4 to use a second spray in the same nostril. 7 Remove the nozzle from this nostril and breathe out through your mouth. 8 Repeat steps 3 to 6 for your other nostril. 9 After using your spray, wipe the nozzle carefully with a clean tissue or handkerchief, and replace the dust cap. Cleaning your spray Clean your spray at least once a week, or more often if it gets blocked. 1 Take the dust cap off. 2 Pull upwards on the white collar to remove the nozzle.
3 4 5 6 7
Soak the nozzle and dust cap in warm water for a few minutes. Then rinse under a running tap. Shake off the excess water and let them dry in a warm place. Put the nozzle back on the spray. 'Prime' the bottle as described in the section above, Preparing your spray
If you forget to use Beconase If you miss a dose, just use the next dose when it is due. If you use more Beconase than you should Tell your doctor if you use more than you were told to.
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It is important that you take your dose as stated on the pharmacist's label or as advised by your doctor. You should use only as much as your doctor recommends; using more or less may make your symptoms worse. If you stop taking Beconase Do not stop treatment even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop. If you do stop, the symptoms may come back. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine: Allergic reactions: get a doctor's help straight away A small number of people get allergic reactions to Beconase, which can develop into a more serious, even life-threatening problem if not treated. Symptoms include;
- becoming very wheezy or having difficulty with breathing
- swelling around the face or throat
- collapse or loss of consciousness If this happens, tell your doctor straight away – you may need urgent medical treatment. Immediately after you use your spray • You may sneeze a little, but this soon stops. • Very occasionally you may find you get an unpleasant taste or smell. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following side effects: Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • A dry or painful nose or throat. • Bad nose bleeds. Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) • Damage to your nose • Cloudy lens in the eye (cataract) • Increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma) • Mild allergic reactions including skin rashes or redness, itching or weals like nettle rash or hives. Very rarely, the normal production of steroids in your body may be affected. This is more likely to happen if you use high doses for a long time. Your doctor will help stop this happening by making sure you use the lowest dose of steroid which controls your symptoms. In children this side effect can rarely cause them to grow more slowly than others. Children who receive this treatment for a long period of time will have their height checked regularly by their doctor. Not Known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data • Blurred vision (see Section 2 – Do not use Beconase if) Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the leaflet. You can also report any side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
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How to store it
Beconase
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 4
• • •
Protect from frost and light. Do not store above 30°C (86°F). Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after 'EXP'. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Stop using this bottle three months after you first opened it.
- If you are told to stop taking this medicine return any unused spray to your pharmacist to be destroyed. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
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Contents of the pack and other information
What Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray contains
- The active substance is beclometasone dipropionate
- The other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrose, polysorbate 80, purified water and the preservatives benzalkonium chloride and phenylethylalcohol. These other ingredients are needed to make a stable suspension which will not go off.
- Keep container in the outer carton to protect from light. What Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray looks like and contents of the pack Each bottle delivers 200 sprays. Each spray contains 50 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate. Marketing Authorisation Holder Glaxo Wellcome UK Ltd. GSK Medicines Research Centre Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2NY UK Manufacturer Glaxo Wellcome SA Aranda de Duero Burgos Spain Other formats: To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:
0800 198 5000 (UK Only) Please be ready to give the following information: Product name Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray Reference number 10949/0104 This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People. This leaflet was last revised in August 2025 Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies. © 2025 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
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Frequently asked questions about Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray
How do I take Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray?
Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray comes as nasal spray. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray?
The active substance in Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray is beclometasone dipropionate.
Are there equivalent medicines to Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Boots Adult Allergy & Hayfever Relief 0.05% Nasal Spray, Boots Adult Hayfever Relief 0.05% Nasal Spray. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: beclometasone dipropionate
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray is indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis including hayfever, and vasomotor rhinitis. Beclometasone dipropionate has a potent anti-inflammatory effect within the respiratory tract, with a lower incidence and severity of adverse events than those observed when corticosteroids are administered systemically.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray is for administration by the intranasal route only.
Adults and children over six years of age:
The recommended dosage is two sprays into each nostril twice daily (400 micrograms/day). Once control has been established it may be possible to maintain control with fewer sprays. A dosage regimen of one spray into each nostril morning and evening has been shown to be efficacious in some patients. However, should symptoms recur, patients should revert to the recommended dosage of two sprays into each nostril morning and evening. The minimum dose should be used at which effective control of symptoms is maintained. Total daily administration should not normally exceed eight sprays.
For full therapeutic benefit regular usage is essential. The co-operation of the patient should be sought to comply with the regular dosage schedule and it should be explained that maximum relief may not be obtained within the first few applications.
For children under six years old, there are insufficient clinical data to recommend use.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Systemic effects of nasal corticosteroids may occur, particularly at high doses prescribed for prolonged periods. These effects are much less likely to occur than with oral corticosteroids and may vary in individual patients and between different corticosteroid preparations. Potential systemic effects may include Cushing's syndrome, Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children and adolescents, cataract, glaucoma and more rarely, a range of psychological or behavioural effects including psychomotor hyperactivity, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression or aggression (particularly in children).
Growth retardation has been reported in children receiving nasal corticosteroids at licensed doses. It is recommended that the height of children receiving prolonged treatment with nasal corticosteroids is regularly monitored. If growth is slowed, therapy should be reviewed with the aim of reducing the dose of nasal corticosteroid, if possible to the lowest dose at which effective control of symptoms is maintained. In addition, consideration should be given to referring the patient to a paediatric specialist.
Treatment with higher than recommended doses may result in clinically significant adrenal suppression. If there is evidence for higher than recommended doses being used then additional systemic corticosteroid cover should be considered during periods of stress or elective surgery.
Care must be taken while transferring patients from systemic steroid treatment to Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray if there is any reason to suppose that their adrenal function is impaired.
Infections of the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses should be appropriately treated but do not constitute a specific contra-indication to treatment with Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray.
Although Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray will control seasonal allergic rhinitis in most cases, an abnormally heavy challenge of summer allergens may in certain instances necessitate appropriate additional therapy particularly to control eye symptoms.
Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray contains 0.02 mg Benzalkonium Chloride in each unit dose, which may cause bronchospasm.
Benzalkonium chloride may cause irritation or swelling inside the nose, especially if used for a long period of time.
Visual Disturbance
Visual disturbance may be reported with systemic and topical corticosteroid use. If a patient presents with symptoms such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances, the patient should be considered for referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of possible causes, which may include cataract, glaucoma or rare diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) which have been reported after use of systemic and topical corticosteroids.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Beclomethasone is less dependent on CYP3A metabolism than some other corticosteroids, and in general interactions are unlikely; however the possibility of systemic effects with concomitant use of strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir, cobicistat) cannot be excluded, and therefore caution and appropriate monitoring is advised with the use of such agents.
4.6. Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There is inadequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy. Administration of corticosteroids to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of foetal development including cleft palate and intra-uterine growth retardation. There may therefore be a very small risk of such effects in the human foetus. It should be noted, however, that the foetal changes in animals occur after relatively high systemic exposure. Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray delivers beclometasone dipropionate directly to the nasal mucosa and so minimises systemic exposure.
The use of beclometasone dipropionate should be avoided during pregnancy unless thought essential by the doctor.
Breast-feeding
No specific studies examining the transference of beclometasone dipropionate into the milk of lactating animals have been performed. It is reasonable to assume that beclometasone dipropionate is secreted in milk but at the dosages used for direct intranasal administration 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.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Not relevant
4.8. Undesirable effects
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are listed below by MedDRA system organ class and by frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 and <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 and <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 and <1/1,000) and very rare (<1/10,000) including isolated reports. Very common, common and uncommon reactions were generally determined from clinical trial data. Rare and very rare reactions were generally determined from spontaneous data. In assigning adverse reaction frequencies, the background rates in placebo groups were not taken into account, since these rates were generally comparable to those in the active treatment group.
System Organ Class
Adverse Event
Frequency
Immune system disorders
Hypersensitivity reactions including:
Rash, urticaria, pruritis, erythema.
Very rare
Angioedema
Very rare
Dyspnoea and/or bronchospasm
Very rare
Anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions
Very rare
Nervous system disorders
Unpleasant taste, unpleasant smell.
Common
Eye disorders
Glaucoma, raised intraocular pressure, cataract.
Vision, Blurred (see also section 4.4)
Very rare
Not known
Respiratory, Thoracic & Mediastinal disorders
Epistaxis, nasal dryness, nasal irritation, throat dryness, throat irritation.
Common
Nasal septum perforation.
Very rare
Systemic effects of nasal corticosteroids may occur particularly when used at high doses for prolonged periods.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
The only harmful effect that follows inhalation of large amounts of the drug over a short time period is suppression of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) function. No special emergency action need be taken. Treatment with Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray should be continued at the recommended dose. HPA function recovers in a day or two.
Further management should be as clinically indicated or as recommended by the national poisons centre, where available.
There is no specific treatment for an overdose of beclometasone dipropionate. If overdose occurs, the patient should be treated supportively with appropriate monitoring as necessary
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Medicines containing Beclometasone dipropionate
- Beclometasone dipropionate 0.25 mg/g Cream
- Beclometasone dipropionate 0.25 mg/g Ointment
- Clenil Modulite 100 micrograms inhaler (with Dose Indicator)
- Clenil Modulite 100 micrograms inhaler (without Dose Indicator)
- Clenil Modulite 200 micrograms inhaler (with Dose Indicator)
- Clenil Modulite 200 micrograms inhaler (without Dose Indicator)
- Clenil Modulite 250 micrograms inhaler (with Dose Indicator)
- Clenil Modulite 250 micrograms inhaler (without Dose Indicator)
- Clenil Modulite 50 micrograms inhaler (with Dose Indicator)
- Clenil Modulite 50 micrograms inhaler (without Dose Indicator)
- Clipper 5 mg gastro-resistant prolonged-release tablets
- Easyhaler Beclometasone 200 micrograms/dose inhalation powder
- Kelhale 100 micrograms per actuation pressurised inhalation solution
- Kelhale 50 micrograms per actuation pressurised inhalation solution