AeroBec: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
An inhaled corticosteroid metered-dose inhaler containing beclometasone dipropionate for the preventive treatment of asthma
AeroBec is a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) containing beclometasone dipropionate, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used for the regular preventive treatment of asthma in adults and children. It delivers a precisely measured dose of 50 micrograms of beclometasone dipropionate per actuation directly to the airways, where it reduces inflammation, mucus production, and bronchial hyperreactivity. AeroBec is a maintenance controller medication that must be used regularly as prescribed—it is not a rescue inhaler for acute asthma symptoms. Patients should always carry a separate fast-acting bronchodilator (such as salbutamol) for emergency relief.
Quick Facts: AeroBec
Key Takeaways
- AeroBec contains beclometasone dipropionate, an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation and prevents asthma attacks when used as daily maintenance therapy as directed by your doctor.
- It is a standard press-and-breathe metered-dose inhaler (MDI) delivering 50 micrograms per dose. Proper inhaler technique is essential for effective drug delivery to the lungs.
- AeroBec is a preventive medication only—not a rescue inhaler. Use it every day, even when you feel well, and keep a separate fast-acting bronchodilator (e.g., salbutamol) for acute asthma symptoms.
- Full therapeutic benefit typically develops over 7 to 14 days of regular use, so continue treatment consistently even if you do not notice immediate improvement.
- Always rinse your mouth with water and spit out after each inhalation to reduce the risk of oral thrush (candidiasis) and hoarseness, the most common local side effects.
What Is AeroBec and What Is It Used For?
AeroBec contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate, which belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids (glucocorticoids). When inhaled directly into the lungs via the pressurized metered-dose inhaler, beclometasone dipropionate exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects on the airway tissues, reducing the swelling, excess mucus production, and bronchial hyperreactivity that characterize asthma. By controlling this underlying inflammation on a daily basis, the medication prevents asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath from occurring.
Beclometasone dipropionate is a prodrug that undergoes enzymatic conversion by esterases present in lung tissue to its active metabolite, beclometasone-17-monopropionate (B-17-MP). This active metabolite binds with high affinity to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, forming a drug-receptor complex that translocates to the cell nucleus and modulates the transcription of numerous genes involved in the inflammatory cascade. The net pharmacological result is a broad suppression of inflammatory mediator production, including pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-13, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), chemokines, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. Additionally, beclometasone inhibits the recruitment, activation, and survival of key inflammatory cells—including eosinophils, mast cells, T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils—within the airway walls, thereby interrupting the chronic inflammatory process that drives asthma pathology.
As an inhaled formulation, beclometasone dipropionate achieves therapeutically effective local concentrations in the airways while minimizing systemic absorption and its associated side effects. The drug undergoes substantial first-pass metabolism in the liver via the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4, further limiting the amount of active corticosteroid reaching the systemic circulation. This favorable pharmacokinetic profile represents a fundamental advantage of inhaled corticosteroids over oral corticosteroid therapy for chronic asthma management. It is the primary reason why inhaled corticosteroids like beclometasone are recommended as the cornerstone of asthma controller therapy by all major international guidelines, including the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), the British Thoracic Society/Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (BTS/SIGN), and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Understanding the Metered-Dose Inhaler
AeroBec is delivered via a standard pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), one of the most widely used and time-tested inhalation device types worldwide. The pMDI consists of a pressurized aluminum canister containing the drug suspended in a propellant, housed in a plastic actuator with a mouthpiece. When the patient presses down on the canister, a metering valve releases a precisely measured dose of medication as a fine aerosol spray. The key to effective drug delivery with a pMDI is proper coordination between pressing the canister (actuation) and breathing in (inhalation)—a technique known as hand-breath coordination.
Clinical studies have consistently shown that many patients, particularly the very young, the elderly, and those with limited manual dexterity, have difficulty achieving optimal hand-breath coordination with conventional pMDIs. Poor inhaler technique leads to reduced drug deposition in the lungs and increased oropharyngeal (mouth and throat) deposition, which can diminish therapeutic effectiveness while increasing the risk of local side effects such as oral thrush. For patients who struggle with the standard press-and-breathe technique, healthcare providers may recommend the use of a spacer device (also called a valved holding chamber), which is attached to the inhaler and eliminates the need for precise coordination. A spacer also reduces the velocity of the aerosol particles, decreasing oropharyngeal impaction and increasing lung deposition. Alternatively, patients may be switched to a breath-actuated device such as the AeroBec Autohaler.
Therapeutic Indications
AeroBec is indicated for the prophylactic (preventive) management of mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma in adults and children aged 5 years and older. It is used as a regular daily maintenance therapy to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations and to maintain long-term asthma control. AeroBec is classified as a Step 2 or Step 3 controller medication in the GINA stepwise treatment approach, depending on the dose prescribed. At the low dose of 50–200 mcg/day (beclometasone dipropionate CFC-equivalent), it is the preferred initial controller for most patients with newly diagnosed persistent asthma.
It is essential to understand that AeroBec is not designed for the relief of acute asthma symptoms or bronchospasm. It does not provide rapid bronchodilation. Patients using AeroBec must always have a separate short-acting beta2-agonist bronchodilator (such as salbutamol or terbutaline) available for quick relief of breakthrough symptoms. If a patient finds they are needing their reliever inhaler more frequently, or if their asthma symptoms are worsening despite regular AeroBec use, they should seek medical advice promptly as their treatment regimen may need to be stepped up.
Beclometasone dipropionate has been used clinically since the early 1970s and has an extensive safety and efficacy record spanning more than five decades. It is included on the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines and is recognized globally as a first-line controller therapy for persistent asthma at all severity levels. The introduction of inhaled beclometasone in the 1970s represented a landmark advance in asthma management, as it allowed effective airway inflammation control without the serious systemic side effects associated with long-term oral corticosteroid use.
What Should You Know Before Using AeroBec?
Contraindications
AeroBec must not be used by anyone with a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to beclometasone dipropionate, the propellant (norflurane/HFA-134a), or any other excipient in the formulation. Allergic reactions to inhaled corticosteroids are exceedingly rare but may manifest as facial swelling, tongue or throat swelling, difficulty swallowing, urticaria (hives), bronchospasm, breathing difficulties, or sudden faintness. If any of these symptoms occur after using the inhaler, stop use immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
AeroBec is specifically formulated for the long-term preventive management of asthma and should never be used as a primary treatment for acute asthma attacks (status asthmaticus). During an acute asthma exacerbation, patients require a rapid-acting bronchodilator such as salbutamol (albuterol) to provide immediate relief of airway obstruction. Relying on an inhaled corticosteroid alone during an acute attack is ineffective because corticosteroids work through gene transcription modulation, a process that takes hours to days to produce clinical effects, rather than the seconds-to-minutes bronchodilation needed in an emergency.
Warnings and Precautions
AeroBec is for preventive use only. It will not relieve an acute asthma attack. Always carry a separate fast-acting reliever inhaler (e.g., salbutamol) for emergency use. If your reliever inhaler is needed more frequently, or if your asthma symptoms are worsening, contact your doctor promptly as your treatment may need to be adjusted.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using AeroBec if you have any of the following conditions or circumstances:
- Active or latent tuberculosis (TB): Corticosteroids can suppress the immune response and may allow reactivation of latent TB or worsening of active tuberculosis infection. Your doctor may need to screen for TB before initiating or increasing inhaled corticosteroid therapy.
- Respiratory infections: Active fungal, bacterial, or viral respiratory infections (including pneumonia, bronchitis, or fungal lung infections) should be adequately treated before starting or adjusting inhaled corticosteroid therapy, as local immunosuppressive effects in the airways could allow infections to progress.
- Liver disease: Severe hepatic impairment may reduce first-pass metabolism of beclometasone, potentially increasing systemic corticosteroid exposure. Patients with significant liver disease may require more careful monitoring and possibly lower doses.
- Switching from oral corticosteroid tablets: If you are transitioning from systemic corticosteroid therapy (such as prednisolone or prednisone tablets) to inhaled beclometasone, your doctor will gradually taper the oral corticosteroid dose while monitoring your response. During this transition period, you may experience adrenal insufficiency symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, joint pain, muscle pain, nausea, or worsening of allergic conditions (eczema, rhinitis) even as your asthma symptoms improve. You may also need supplementary systemic corticosteroids during periods of physiological stress (severe infections, surgery, trauma) because your adrenal glands may not yet have recovered full cortisol-producing capacity.
- Worsening asthma control: If you notice that AeroBec is becoming less effective—for example, you need your reliever inhaler more often, or your peak flow readings are declining—consult your doctor. Your treatment plan may need to be stepped up.
- Visual disturbances: If you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances while using inhaled corticosteroids, consult your doctor. Although uncommon with standard inhaled doses, systemic corticosteroid effects can include increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma) and posterior subcapsular cataract formation with prolonged high-dose use.
- Osteoporosis risk factors: Patients with existing risk factors for reduced bone mineral density (postmenopausal women, elderly patients, those with a family history of osteoporosis, concurrent use of other corticosteroids) should be monitored during prolonged inhaled corticosteroid therapy, particularly at higher doses.
Children receiving long-term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids should have their height (growth) monitored regularly by their physician. Some studies have demonstrated that high-dose inhaled corticosteroids may reduce growth velocity in children by approximately 0.5–1.0 cm in the first year of treatment, although most children eventually reach their predicted adult height. The prescribing physician will use the lowest effective dose to minimize this risk. International guidelines universally agree that the benefits of well-controlled asthma substantially outweigh the small potential impact on growth.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using AeroBec. Although controlled clinical trial data on beclometasone dipropionate use during human pregnancy are limited, major asthma guidelines—including GINA, BTS/SIGN, NICE, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)—strongly recommend that pregnant women with asthma continue their controller therapy, including inhaled corticosteroids, throughout pregnancy. This recommendation is based on extensive observational evidence and the well-established fact that poorly controlled asthma poses significant risks to both mother and fetus, including pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm birth, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and neonatal hypoxia. The risks of uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy substantially outweigh the theoretical risks of inhaled corticosteroid use at recommended doses.
It is not known with certainty whether beclometasone dipropionate is excreted in human breast milk. However, given the very low systemic bioavailability of inhaled beclometasone and the fact that other corticosteroids appear in breast milk only in negligible amounts at therapeutic inhaled doses, the risk to the nursing infant is considered minimal. Major guidelines support the continued use of inhaled corticosteroids during breastfeeding. Discuss the individual balance of risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Driving and Operating Machinery
AeroBec has no known effects on the ability to drive or operate machinery. Beclometasone dipropionate does not cause sedation, drowsiness, or impaired cognitive function at therapeutic inhaled doses. Patients can generally continue driving and operating machinery as normal while using this medication.
How Does AeroBec Interact with Other Drugs?
The active ingredient in AeroBec, beclometasone dipropionate, is metabolized in part by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4 in the liver. Although systemic absorption from inhaled beclometasone at standard doses is generally low, drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 can increase the fraction of beclometasone that reaches the systemic circulation, potentially raising the risk of systemic corticosteroid side effects including adrenal suppression, Cushing-like features, osteoporosis, and metabolic disturbances. Always inform your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, and dietary supplements.
Major Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Clinical Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Ritonavir | Potent CYP3A4 inhibitor used as a pharmacokinetic booster in HIV antiretroviral regimens. Significantly increases systemic exposure to beclometasone, raising the risk of adrenal suppression and iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome. | Concurrent use is not recommended unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. If unavoidable, monitor closely for systemic corticosteroid effects. Consider alternative HIV or asthma therapies. |
| Cobicistat | Pharmacokinetic enhancer with potent CYP3A4 inhibition, used in HIV treatment. Similar risk profile to ritonavir for increasing beclometasone systemic exposure and causing adrenal suppression. | Avoid concurrent use if possible. If combination therapy is necessary, patients must be closely monitored for signs of adrenal suppression and systemic corticosteroid side effects. |
| Ketoconazole | Strong azole antifungal that potently inhibits CYP3A4. Can increase systemic beclometasone levels and the risk of corticosteroid-related adverse effects. | Use with caution. If concurrent treatment is needed, monitor for signs of systemic corticosteroid effects. Keep the antifungal treatment period as short as clinically appropriate. |
| Itraconazole | Another strong azole antifungal and CYP3A4 inhibitor. Can elevate systemic beclometasone exposure similarly to ketoconazole. | Use with caution. Monitor patients for evidence of increased corticosteroid effects during concurrent therapy. Consider alternative antifungal agents where possible. |
Minor Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Clinical Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Erythromycin, Clarithromycin | Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. Theoretically may increase systemic beclometasone exposure, though the clinical significance at standard inhaled doses is limited. | Concurrent use is generally acceptable. Be aware of the theoretical interaction during prolonged macrolide therapy, especially if the patient is on higher inhaled corticosteroid doses. |
| Other inhaled corticosteroids or systemic corticosteroids | Additive corticosteroid effects when multiple corticosteroid formulations are used concurrently, increasing the total corticosteroid burden and the risk of systemic side effects. | Avoid unnecessary concurrent use of multiple corticosteroids. If combination use is required (e.g., during steroid tapering), monitor carefully for adrenal suppression. |
| Beta-blockers (non-selective) | Non-selective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) can oppose the bronchodilating effects of beta2-agonist reliever inhalers, potentially making asthma harder to control. This is not a direct interaction with beclometasone but is clinically relevant for the overall asthma treatment plan. | Non-selective beta-blockers are generally contraindicated in asthma. If beta-blocker therapy is essential, use cardioselective agents (e.g., bisoprolol) under close supervision. |
No clinically significant interactions have been reported between inhaled beclometasone dipropionate and common asthma co-medications, including short-acting beta2-agonists (salbutamol, terbutaline), long-acting beta2-agonists (formoterol, salmeterol), leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast), or theophylline. AeroBec can be safely used as part of combination asthma therapy regimens.
What Is the Correct Dosage of AeroBec?
Always use AeroBec exactly as your doctor has instructed. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine without first consulting your healthcare provider. The dosage is adjusted according to the severity of your asthma and your individual response to treatment. Your doctor will aim to prescribe the lowest dose that effectively controls your asthma symptoms, as this minimizes the risk of side effects associated with inhaled corticosteroids.
Adults
Adult Dosing (aged 18 years and older)
Mild asthma: 100–200 mcg (2–4 puffs) twice daily
Moderate asthma: 200–400 mcg (4–8 puffs) twice daily
Severe asthma: 400–800 mcg (8–16 puffs) twice daily (under specialist supervision)
Maximum recommended daily dose: 1600 mcg (32 puffs) per day, divided into two to four doses. Doses exceeding 800 mcg/day should only be used under specialist respiratory physician supervision.
For most adults with mild to moderate persistent asthma, an initial dose of 200 mcg twice daily (total 400 mcg/day) provides effective asthma control. Once asthma is well controlled for a period of at least three months, your doctor may consider reducing the dose gradually to find the minimum effective maintenance dose. This stepwise approach to dose reduction is recommended by GINA and other international guidelines to minimize long-term corticosteroid exposure while maintaining asthma control.
Children
Pediatric Dosing (aged 5–12 years)
Usual starting dose: 50–100 mcg (1–2 puffs) twice daily
Maximum recommended dose: 200 mcg (4 puffs) twice daily (400 mcg/day total)
Children should always use the lowest effective dose. A spacer device is strongly recommended for children to improve drug delivery and reduce oropharyngeal deposition.
For children aged 5 to 12 years, the recommended starting dose is typically 50 to 100 mcg twice daily. The prescribing physician will assess the child’s response at regular intervals and adjust the dose accordingly. It is particularly important in children to use the lowest dose that maintains adequate asthma control, given the potential for long-term inhaled corticosteroid use to affect growth velocity. All major paediatric respiratory guidelines recommend regular height monitoring for children receiving chronic inhaled corticosteroid therapy.
For children under 5 years of age, the use of AeroBec with a spacer device and face mask should be supervised by a specialist. The available evidence supporting specific dosing in this age group is more limited, and the prescribing physician will make an individualized assessment of the risk-benefit profile.
Elderly
Elderly Patients
No specific dose adjustment is required for elderly patients. Standard adult dosing applies. However, elderly patients may benefit from the use of a spacer device due to potential difficulties with hand-breath coordination and reduced inspiratory capacity. Monitor for systemic effects at higher doses, particularly osteoporosis and adrenal function, as the elderly may be more susceptible to these effects.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose of AeroBec, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. Setting a daily reminder or using the inhaler at the same times each day (for example, morning and evening brushing teeth) can help establish a consistent routine.
Overdose
Acute overdose with inhaled beclometasone dipropionate is unlikely to cause clinically significant harm due to the relatively low systemic bioavailability of the inhaled formulation. Inhalation of doses substantially above those recommended may temporarily suppress adrenal function, which usually recovers spontaneously within a few days without requiring specific treatment. No specific emergency measures are normally required for an acute inhaled overdose.
However, chronic overdose—prolonged use at doses significantly exceeding the recommended maximum—can lead to clinically significant adrenal suppression, reduced bone mineral density, growth retardation in children, posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma, and other features of systemic corticosteroid excess (Cushing’s syndrome). If chronic overdose is suspected, adrenal function should be assessed (e.g., morning cortisol levels, ACTH stimulation test), and the dose should be reduced gradually under medical supervision to the minimum effective level. Any patient who has been exposed to prolonged high-dose inhaled corticosteroids may need supplementary systemic corticosteroids during periods of physiological stress.
How to Use the AeroBec Inhaler Correctly
Proper inhaler technique is critical for effective drug delivery. Follow these steps each time you use your AeroBec inhaler:
- Remove the mouthpiece cap and inspect the mouthpiece for debris or foreign objects.
- Shake the inhaler vigorously for at least 5 seconds. If the inhaler is new or has not been used for 7 days or more, release one test spray into the air away from your face to prime the device.
- Breathe out gently and fully away from the inhaler mouthpiece. Do not breathe out into the inhaler.
- Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips firmly around it to form a tight seal.
- Start breathing in slowly and deeply through your mouth. At the same time, press down firmly on the top of the canister to release one puff. Continue breathing in slowly and steadily.
- Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for approximately 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable.
- If a second puff is needed, wait at least 30 seconds before repeating the process from step 2.
- After completing your dose, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out. Do not swallow the rinse water. This simple step significantly reduces the risk of oral thrush.
- Replace the mouthpiece cap to keep the inhaler clean and protected.
A spacer (valved holding chamber) can significantly improve drug delivery to the lungs, especially for patients who have difficulty coordinating the press-and-breathe technique. With a spacer, you press the canister to release the medication into the spacer chamber, then breathe in slowly through the spacer mouthpiece. Many respiratory guidelines recommend spacer use for all children and for any adult who cannot demonstrate correct pMDI technique. Spacers also reduce oropharyngeal deposition and lower the risk of oral thrush and hoarseness.
What Are the Side Effects of AeroBec?
Like all medicines, AeroBec can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Inhaled corticosteroids are generally well-tolerated when used at recommended doses, and most side effects are local (affecting the mouth and throat) rather than systemic. The side effects are classified below by frequency, based on data from clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance.
Common
May affect up to 1 in 10 patients
- Oral thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis) – white patches in the mouth or throat
- Hoarseness or voice changes (dysphonia)
- Throat irritation or dryness
- Cough immediately after inhalation
Uncommon
May affect up to 1 in 100 patients
- Paradoxical bronchospasm (sudden worsening of wheeze immediately after inhalation)
- Skin bruising
- Allergic skin reactions (rash, urticaria, itching)
- Headache
Rare
May affect up to 1 in 1,000 patients
- Adrenal suppression (especially at high doses or prolonged use)
- Reduced bone mineral density
- Growth retardation in children (with prolonged high-dose use)
- Posterior subcapsular cataracts
- Glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure)
Very Rare
May affect up to 1 in 10,000 patients
- Cushing’s syndrome or Cushingoid features (with chronic high-dose use)
- Adrenal crisis (in the context of abrupt withdrawal after prolonged high-dose use)
- Hyperglycaemia (elevated blood sugar)
- Severe allergic reactions including facial swelling and anaphylaxis
- Psychological or behavioral effects (anxiety, sleep disturbances, aggression, depression, hyperactivity) – particularly in children
Not Known
Frequency cannot be estimated from available data
- Blurred vision
The most common side effects of AeroBec—oral thrush, hoarseness, and throat irritation—are caused by deposition of beclometasone in the mouth and throat rather than the lungs. These can be substantially reduced by: (1) rinsing your mouth with water and spitting out after each use; (2) using a spacer device, which decreases oropharyngeal drug deposition; and (3) ensuring proper inhaler technique, which maximizes lung deposition and minimizes throat impact. If oral thrush develops, it is usually easily treated with an antifungal mouth rinse or lozenges without needing to stop your inhaler.
If you experience paradoxical bronchospasm (an immediate worsening of wheeze and breathing difficulty after using the inhaler), stop using AeroBec immediately and use your reliever inhaler. Contact your doctor, as you may need an alternative inhaled corticosteroid formulation or delivery device. Paradoxical bronchospasm is a known but uncommon reaction to metered-dose inhalers and may be related to the propellant, excipients, or the cold spray effect (Freon effect) of the aerosol.
Systemic side effects of inhaled corticosteroids are dose-dependent and time-dependent—they are more likely at higher doses used over prolonged periods. At standard recommended doses of AeroBec (up to 400 mcg/day), the risk of clinically significant systemic effects is very low. However, patients on long-term therapy at higher doses (particularly above 800 mcg/day) should be monitored for adrenal function, bone mineral density (in at-risk patients), and growth (in children).
Contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately if you experience: severe allergic reactions (facial swelling, difficulty breathing, severe rash); paradoxical bronchospasm; signs of adrenal insufficiency (severe fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite) especially during periods of stress; or any new visual disturbances. Report any suspected side effects to your healthcare provider.
How Should You Store AeroBec?
Correct storage of your AeroBec inhaler is essential to ensure the medication remains effective and safe throughout its shelf life. The pressurized canister contains a propellant under pressure, and exposure to extreme temperatures or physical damage can compromise the device and the drug it contains.
- Temperature: Store at room temperature, not exceeding 25°C (77°F). Avoid storing the inhaler in locations where temperatures may fluctuate significantly, such as near radiators, heating vents, sunny windowsills, or in a parked car during summer.
- Protection from light: Protect the inhaler from direct sunlight. Prolonged UV exposure can degrade the drug formulation and the plastic actuator.
- Do not freeze: Freezing can damage the metering valve mechanism and alter the aerosol properties of the formulation.
- Do not puncture, break, or burn: The canister is pressurized and should never be punctured, crushed, or incinerated, even when empty. Dispose of used inhalers according to your local pharmacy or waste management guidelines.
- Keep out of reach and sight of children: Store in a safe place inaccessible to young children.
- Expiry date: Do not use AeroBec after the expiry date printed on the canister or packaging. Return expired inhalers to your pharmacist for safe disposal.
Clean the plastic actuator at least once a week by removing the metal canister, rinsing the actuator under warm running water, allowing it to dry completely at room temperature, and then reinserting the canister. Do not place the metal canister in water. Regular cleaning prevents medication build-up around the valve orifice, which can reduce the dose delivered and impair the spray pattern.
What Does AeroBec Contain?
Understanding the full composition of your medication can be helpful, particularly if you have known allergies or sensitivities to specific pharmaceutical ingredients.
| Component | Role | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Beclometasone dipropionate | Active ingredient | 50 micrograms per metered dose. Synthetic glucocorticosteroid with potent topical anti-inflammatory activity. |
| Norflurane (HFA-134a) | Propellant | 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. CFC-free hydrofluoroalkane propellant. Replaced ozone-depleting CFC propellants under the Montreal Protocol. |
| Ethanol | Co-solvent | Present in small quantities to help dissolve the active ingredient in the propellant. The amount per dose is negligible (less than 5 mg per actuation) and produces no perceptible pharmacological effects. |
The AeroBec inhaler uses the HFA-134a propellant system, which replaced older chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants in accordance with the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances. The transition from CFC to HFA propellants was completed worldwide by 2010. Patients who previously used CFC-containing beclometasone inhalers may notice a slightly different taste and spray force with HFA formulations, but the therapeutic efficacy and safety profile are equivalent.
The inhaler device itself consists of a pressurized aluminum canister fitted with a metering valve, housed in a polypropylene actuator body with an integrated mouthpiece and a removable dust cap. The canister contains sufficient medication for the labeled number of actuations (typically 200 doses). It is important to track the number of doses used and replace the inhaler before it runs out, as the medication delivery may become unreliable once the labeled number of doses has been exceeded, even if the canister still appears to contain propellant.
Frequently Asked Questions About AeroBec
AeroBec is an inhaled corticosteroid metered-dose inhaler containing beclometasone dipropionate, used for the regular preventive treatment of asthma in adults and children aged 5 years and older. It works by reducing inflammation in the airways, which prevents asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. AeroBec is a daily maintenance controller medication and is not intended for the relief of acute asthma attacks—you should always have a separate fast-acting reliever inhaler available.
Shake the inhaler well, breathe out gently, place the mouthpiece between your lips, and as you start to breathe in slowly and deeply, press down on the canister to release one puff. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly. If a second puff is required, wait at least 30 seconds before repeating. Always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after use to prevent oral thrush. Using a spacer device can improve drug delivery if you find the press-and-breathe technique difficult.
The most common side effects are oral thrush (white patches in the mouth or throat), hoarseness or voice changes, throat irritation, and cough immediately after inhalation. These are local effects caused by medication depositing in the mouth and throat rather than reaching the lungs. They can be significantly reduced by rinsing your mouth after each use and by using a spacer device. If oral thrush develops, it can usually be treated with an antifungal mouthwash without stopping your inhaler.
Major international asthma guidelines—including GINA, BTS/SIGN, and ACOG—strongly recommend that pregnant women with asthma continue inhaled corticosteroid therapy, because poorly controlled asthma poses significant risks to both mother and baby. The systemic exposure from inhaled beclometasone at recommended doses is very low. Similarly, inhaled corticosteroids are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Always discuss your individual circumstances with your doctor.
AeroBec is a preventive medicine that builds its anti-inflammatory effect gradually. While some patients may notice improvement within the first few days, the full therapeutic benefit typically takes approximately 7 to 14 days of regular, consistent use. It is essential to use AeroBec every day as prescribed, even when you feel well. Do not stop taking it because you feel better, as the underlying airway inflammation will return if treatment is discontinued.
Both AeroBec and AeroBec Autohaler contain the same active ingredient (beclometasone dipropionate 50 mcg/dose) and are used for the same purpose—preventive asthma treatment. The difference lies in the device mechanism: AeroBec is a standard press-and-breathe metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) that requires the patient to coordinate pressing the canister with breathing in. AeroBec Autohaler is a breath-actuated device that automatically releases the dose when you breathe in through the mouthpiece, eliminating the need for hand-breath coordination. The Autohaler is particularly helpful for patients who find the standard technique challenging, including elderly patients and young children.
References
This article is based on the following peer-reviewed sources and international guidelines:
- 1 Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention. Updated 2024. Available at: ginasthma.org
- 2 British Thoracic Society / Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (BTS/SIGN). British Guideline on the Management of Asthma. SIGN 158. Updated 2024.
- 3 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management. NICE guideline [NG80]. Updated 2024.
- 4 World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. 23rd Edition, 2023. Beclometasone dipropionate listed for respiratory conditions.
- 5 European Medicines Agency (EMA). Summary of Product Characteristics: Beclometasone dipropionate inhalation products. EMA EPAR database.
- 6 British National Formulary (BNF). Beclometasone dipropionate. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Reviewed 2024.
- 7 Adams NP, Bestall JC, Jones P, Lasserson TJ, Griffiths B, Cates CJ. Fluticasone at different doses for chronic asthma in adults and children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2008;(4):CD003534. (Referenced for ICS dose-response relationship methodology applicable to beclometasone.)
- 8 Pedersen S. Do inhaled corticosteroids inhibit growth in children? American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2001;164(4):521-535.
- 9 Lipworth BJ. Systemic adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroid therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Internal Medicine. 1999;159(9):941-955.
- 10 Crompton GK. The adult patient’s difficulties with inhalers. Lung. 1990;168(Suppl):658-662. (Landmark paper on MDI technique difficulties.)
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