The Basics
What is Beclomethasone?
Steroid used in the long-term management of asthma
Brand names for Beclomethasone
Beconase
How Beclomethasone is classified
Anti-Allergic Agents, Anti-Asthmatic Agents, Corticosteroids – Inhaled, Glucocorticoids, Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Beclomethasone During Pregnancy
Beclomethasone pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Beclomethasone while pregnant
Teratogenic Effects: Like other corticoids, parenteral (subcutaneous) beclomethasone dipropionate has shown to be teratogenic and embryocidal in the mouse and rabbit when given in doses approximately 10 times the human dose. In these studies beclomethasone was found to produce fetal resorption, cleft palate, agnathia, microstomia, absence of tongue, delayed ossification, and agenesis of the thymus. No teratogenic or embryocidal effects have been seen in the rat when beclomethasone dipropionate was administered by inhalation at 10 times the human dose or orally at 1000 times the human dose. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Beclomethasone dipropionate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Nonteratogenic Effects: Hypoadrenalism may occur in infants born of mothers receiving corticosteroids during pregnancy. Such infants should be carefully observed. Nursing Mothers It is not known whether beclomethasone dipropionate is excreted in human milk. Because other corticosteroids are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray is administered to a nursing woman.
Taking Beclomethasone While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Beclomethasone?
Although not measured, the amounts of inhaled corticosteroids absorbed into the maternal bloodstream and excreted into breastmilk are probably too small to affect a breastfed infant. Reviewers and an expert panel consider inhaled and oral corticosteroids acceptable to use during breastfeeding.[1][2][3]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Although not measured, the amounts of inhaled corticosteroids absorbed into the maternal bloodstream and excreted into breastmilk are probably too small to affect a breastfed infant. Reviewers and an expert panel consider inhaled and oral corticosteroids acceptable to use during breastfeeding.[1][2][3]
Possible effects of Beclomethasone on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Beclomethasone
Budesonide.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Greenberger PA, Patterson R. The management of asthma during pregnancy and lactation. Clin Rev Allergy. 1987;5:317-24. PMID: 3319123
2. Ellsworth A. Pharmacotherapy of asthma while breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1994;10:39-41. PMID: 7619245
3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group. NAEPP expert panel report. Managing asthma during pregnancy: recommendations for pharmacologic treatment-2004 update. 2004;1-57. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/lung/asthma/astpreg.htm
4. Brown HM, Storey G. Treatment of allergy of the respiratory tract with beclomethasone dipropionate steroid aerosol. Postgrad Med J. 1975;51 (Suppl 4):59-64. PMID: 1105520
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
