Drug Information: Baclofen Oral

(bak' loe fen)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Baclofen acts on the spinal cord nerves and decreases the number and severity of muscle spasms
caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord diseases. It also relieves pain and improves muscle
movement.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.

How should this medicine be used?

Baclofen comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times a day at evenly spaced
intervals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist
to explain any part you do not understand. Take baclofen exactly as directed. Do not take more or less
of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. This drug must be taken regularly for a few
weeks before its full effect is felt.

Continue to take baclofen even if you feel well. Do not stop taking baclofen without talking to your
doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to
decrease your dose gradually.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking baclofen,

 tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to baclofen or any other drugs.
 tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins.
 tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, epilepsy, ulcers, a stroke, a
rheumatic disease, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, or a psychiatric condition.
 tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you
become pregnant while taking baclofen, call your doctor immediately.
 you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate
machinery until you know how baclofen affects you.
 remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for
a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Baclofen may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:

 drowsiness
 dizziness
 weakness
 confusion
 upset stomach

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

 difficulty breathing
 seizures

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at
http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

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What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at
room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of
your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has
collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-
counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary
supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a
hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand name(s):

 Lioresal® Intrathecal

Last Revised - 04/01/2003

Last Reviewed - 08/01/2007

84
Drug Information: Beclomethasone Nasal Inhalation
(be kloe meth' a sone)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Beclomethasone, a corticosteroid, is used to prevent allergy symptoms including sneezing, itching,

and runny or stuffed nose. It is also used to shrink nasal polyps (lumps) and prevent them from
returning after surgical removal.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.

How should this medicine be used?

Beclomethasone comes as an aerosol and a solution to inhale through the nose. It usually is inhaled
two to four times a day at evenly spaced intervals. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use
beclomethasone exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed
by your doctor.

Beclomethasone controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Do
not stop using beclomethasone without talking to your doctor.

Before you use beclomethasone the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your
doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to demonstrate the proper technique. Practice using the
inhaler while in his or her presence.

Before using beclomethasone, gently blow your nose to clear your nasal passages.

Avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes after inhaling the prescribed dose.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking beclomethasone,

 tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to beclomethasone or any other drugs.
 tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), arthritis
medication, aspirin, cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics ('water
pills'), estrogen (Premarin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), oral contraceptives, phenobarbital,
phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin (Rifadin), theophylline (Theo-Dur), and vitamins.
 if you have a nose infection or a fungal infection (other than on your skin), do not use
beclomethasone without talking to your doctor.
 tell your doctor if you have or have ever had tuberculosis (TB); liver, kidney, intestinal, or heart
disease; diabetes; an underactive thyroid gland; high blood pressure; mental illness;
myasthenia gravis; osteoporosis; herpes eye infection; seizures; or ulcers.
 tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you
become pregnant while using beclomethasone, call your doctor.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for
a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Beclomethasone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do
not go away:

 headache
 nasal irritation or dryness
 sore throat
 sneezing

85
  nosebleed

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

 increased difficulty breathing

 swollen face, lower legs, or ankles
 vision problems
 cold or infection that lasts a long time
 muscle weakness

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at
http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at
room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of
your medication. Avoid puncturing the aerosol container, and do not discard it in an incinerator or fire.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Your symptoms may improve after just a few days. If they do not improve within 3 weeks, call your
doctor.

Avoid exposure to chicken pox and measles. This drug makes you more susceptible to these
illnesses. If you are exposed to them while using beclomethasone, call your doctor. Do not have a
vaccination or other immunization unless your doctor tells you that you may.

Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, and muscle aches)
that occur during treatment.

If your sputum (the matter you cough up during an asthma attack) thickens or changes color from clear
white to yellow, green, or gray, call your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection.

Inhalation devices require regular cleaning, and some require periodic replacement. Follow the
directions that come with your inhaler.

When corticosteroids are used by children or teenagers for a long time, they may slow down growth. If
you notice that your child who is taking beclomethasone seems to be growing slowly, talk to your
child's doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-
counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary
supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a
hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand name(s):

 Beconase AQ® Nasal Spray

Last Revised - 01/01/2002

Last Reviewed - 08/01/2007

86
Drug Information: Beclomethasone Oral Inhalation
(be kloe meth' a sone)

IMPORTANT WARNING:

If you are switching (or have recently switched) to beclomethasone inhalation from an oral
corticosteroid such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), or
prednisone (Deltasone) and have an injury, infection, severe asthma attack, or surgery, use a full dose
of oral corticosteroid (even if you have been gradually decreasing your dose) and call your doctor for
additional instructions.Carry an identification card saying that you may need to use extra doses of the
corticosteroid during times of stress (injuries, infections, and severe asthma attacks). Write down the
name of the medication and the full dose you took before decreasing it. Ask your pharmacist or doctor
how to get this card. List your name, medical problems, medications and dosages, and doctor's name
and telephone number on the card.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Beclomethasone is used to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties caused
by severe asthma and other lung diseases. Beclomethasone is in a class of medications called
corticosteroids. It works by reducing swelling in the airways.

How should this medicine be used?

Beclomethasone comes as an aerosol to inhale by mouth. It usually is inhaled three or four times a
day at evenly spaced intervals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use beclomethasone exactly as
directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If your doctor has prescribed a bronchodilator (a drug to be inhaled for rapid relief of difficult
breathing), use it several minutes before your beclomethasone inhaler so that beclomethasone
reaches deep into your lungs.

Beclomethasone controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them.
Continue to use beclomethasone even if you feel well. Do not stop using beclomethasone without
talking to your doctor.

Before you use beclomethasone the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your
doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to show you how to use it. Practice using the inhaler while
he or she watches.

To use the inhaler, follow these steps:

 Shake the inhaler well. (Note: If you are using QVAR, you do not need to shake the inhaler.)
 Remove the protective cap.
 Exhale (breathe out) as completely as possible through your nose while keeping your mouth
shut.
 Open Mouth Technique: Open your mouth wide, and place the open end of the mouthpiece
about 1-2 inches from your mouth.Closed Mouth Technique: Place the open end of the
mouthpiece well into your mouth, past your front teeth. Close your lips tightly around the
mouthpiece.
 Take a slow, deep breath through the mouthpiece and, at the same time, press down on the
container to spray the medication into your mouth. Be sure that the mist goes into your throat
and is not blocked by your teeth or tongue. Adults giving the treatment to young children may
hold the child's nose closed to be sure that the medication goes into the child's throat.
 Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, remove the inhaler, and exhale slowly through your nose
or mouth. If you take two puffs, wait 2 minutes and shake the inhaler well before taking the
second puff.
 Replace the protective cap on the inhaler.
 After each treatment, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.

If you have difficulty getting the medication into your lungs, a spacer (a special device
that attaches to the inhaler) may help; ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory
therapist.
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Other uses for this medicine

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using beclomethasone,

 tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to beclomethasone or any other drugs.
 tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially arthritis medications, aspirin, digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics (water pills),
estrogen (Premarin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), oral contraceptives, phenobarbital, phenytoin
(Dilantin), rifampin (Rifadin), theophylline (Theo-Dur), and vitamins.
 if you have a fungal infection (other than on your skin), do not use beclomethasone without
talking to your doctor.
 tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, kidney, intestinal, or heart disease; diabetes;
an underactive thyroid gland; high blood pressure; mental illness; myasthenia gravis;
osteoporosis; herpes eye infection; seizures; or ulcers.
 tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you
become pregnant while using beclomethasone, call your doctor.
 if you have a history of ulcers or use large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit
your consumption of alcoholic beverages while using this drug. Beclomethasone makes your
stomach and intestines more susceptible to the irritating effects of alcohol, aspirin, and certain
arthritis medications; this effect increases your risk of getting ulcers.
 do not use beclomethasone during a sudden asthma attack. You should have a fast-acting
inhaler such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) to use during asthma attacks.
 avoid exposure to chicken pox and measles. This drug makes you more likely to catch these
illnesses. If you are exposed to them while using beclomethasone, call your doctor. Do not
have a vaccination or other immunization without your doctor's approval.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Your doctor may tell you to follow a low-sodium, low-salt, potassium-rich, or high-protein diet. Follow
these directions.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for
a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Beclomethasone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do
not go away:

 dry or irritated throat and mouth

 cough
 difficult or painful speech

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

 skin rash
 increased difficulty breathing
 white spots or sores in your mouth
 swollen face, lower legs, or ankles
 vision problems
 cold or infection that lasts a long time
 muscle weakness

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at
http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

88
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at
room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of
your medication. Avoid puncturing the aerosol container, and do not discard it in an incinerator or fire.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, and muscle aches)
that occur during treatment.

If the sputum (spit) you cough up during an asthma attack thickens or changes color from clear white
to yellow, green, or gray, call your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection.

Inhalation devices require regular cleaning. Once a week, remove the drug container from the plastic
mouthpiece, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water, and dry it thoroughly.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-
counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary
supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a
hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand name(s):

 QVAR® Oral Inhaler

Last Revised - 04/01/2002

Last Reviewed - 08/01/2007

89