Glucocorticoids: beclomethasone & prednisone: medication fro airflow disroders

mechanism of action

• Prevention of inflammation

• Suppresses airway mucus production

• Promotes responsiveness of bronchial tree beta2 receptors

• Reduction of airway edema

• Enhanced Receptor Responsiveness:They promote the responsiveness of beta-2 receptors in the bronchial tree

Use

• IV short term for status asthmaticus

• Inhaled for long term history of asthma

• Long term oral therapy used for chronic, severe asthma

Complications of beclomethasone

• Difficulty speaking

• Hoarseness

• Candidiasis (fungal infections)

Nursing Education

• Instruct client to rinse their mouth after using 

• Avoid known triggers

Specific Drugs and Administration

Glucocorticoid	Route	Mechanism/Use Context
Beclomethasone	Inhaled	Used for long-term management and prophylaxis of asthma attacks. It must be taken daily to produce therapeutic effects. For maximal effectiveness when treating allergic rhinitis, it must be administered 2 to 3 weeks prior to allergen exposure.
Prednisone	Oral	Used for the long-term management of chronic, severe asthma. It may be used short-term via the IV route for severe treatments such as status asthmaticus. Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is converted to an active form in the liver.

Prednisone

When used longer than 10 days can have the following complications:

• Suppression of adrenal gland function

• Bone loss

• Peptic ulcer disease

• Hyperglycemia

• Myopathy

• Infection

Additional adverse effects may include:

• Increased appetite & weight gain

• Trouble sleeping/ insomnia