Beclomethasone Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler for asthma; Beconase AQ for allergic rhinitis) is generally well-tolerated, especially compared to oral or injected corticosteroids. But like any medication, it can cause side effects — some minor and manageable, others requiring medical attention.

Here's what to expect when taking Beclomethasone — and the warning signs that mean it's time to call your doctor.

Common Side Effects of Beclomethasone (Inhaler)

These side effects occur in a meaningful portion of patients. They are uncomfortable but usually not dangerous:

Throat irritation and hoarseness (dysphonia): Caused by the medication depositing in the throat. Rinsing your mouth and gargling with water (then spitting) after each use significantly reduces this.

Oral candidiasis (thrush): A yeast infection in the mouth and throat, appearing as white patches. Prevented by rinsing your mouth after every use. If thrush develops, your doctor can prescribe antifungal treatment (typically nystatin or fluconazole).

Headache: One of the more common side effects reported in clinical trials.

Cough: May occur upon inhalation, particularly if the medication deposits in the throat rather than the lungs.

Upper respiratory infections: Slightly increased frequency. Report infections that seem unusually severe or frequent to your doctor.

How to Prevent the Most Common Side Effects

Rinse your mouth after every use: Swish with water and spit — don't swallow. This removes medication from your mouth and throat and is the single most effective way to prevent thrush and throat irritation.

Use correct technique: The Qvar RediHaler is breath-actuated — simply breathe in slowly and steadily. Correct technique ensures more medication reaches your lungs rather than being deposited in your throat.

Use the lowest effective dose: Work with your doctor to find the lowest dose that controls your asthma. The dose-counter on Qvar RediHaler helps you track your usage.

Serious Side Effects: When to Call Your Doctor

These side effects are less common but require medical attention:

Paradoxical bronchospasm: In rare cases, the inhaler causes immediate worsening of breathing instead of improvement. If this happens, stop using the medication immediately and contact your doctor. This is an uncommon but serious reaction.

Adrenal suppression: Long-term high-dose ICS use can suppress the adrenal glands. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and nausea. Most common with oral corticosteroids, but can occur with high-dose inhaled steroids. Follow your doctor's dosing guidance.

Slowed growth in children: Inhaled corticosteroids can slow growth velocity in children. Talk to your pediatrician if your child doesn't seem to be growing at a normal rate. The risk is minimized by using the lowest effective dose.

Eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts): Long-term ICS use is associated with increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Let your ophthalmologist know you're using an inhaled corticosteroid.

Hypersensitivity reactions: Immediate allergic reactions are rare but possible. Signs include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Psychiatric disturbances: Corticosteroids can occasionally cause mood changes, depression, euphoria, insomnia, or personality changes. Report significant behavioral changes to your doctor.

Side Effects of Beclomethasone Nasal Spray

For the nasal spray form (Beconase AQ or QNASL), common side effects include:

Nasal irritation, dryness, or burning

Nosebleeds (epistaxis) — usually minor

Sneezing right after use

Headache

Rare but serious nasal spray side effects include nasal septum perforation (with long-term use) and elevated intraocular pressure. Annual eye exams are recommended for long-term nasal spray users with a history of glaucoma.

The Takeaway: Beclomethasone Is Generally Safe When Used as Directed

Inhaled Beclomethasone has much lower systemic absorption than oral steroids, making it significantly safer for long-term use. Rinsing your mouth after each use prevents most local side effects. Never stop your ICS suddenly without medical guidance — that increases asthma flare risk more than the medication's side effects do. For drug interactions, see our guide on Beclomethasone drug interactions. If you need help finding your prescription, visit medfinder.