Alvesco (Ciclesonide Inhalation Aerosol) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Alvesco

Asthma Medications »

Long-Term Control Asthma Medications

Doctors and asthma specialists recognize that asthma has two main components: airway inflammation and acute bronchoconstriction (constriction of the airways). Research has shown that reducing and preventing further inflammation is the key to preventing asthma attacks, hospitalizations, and death from asthma.

Long-term control asthma medications are taken daily over an extended period of time to achieve and maintain control of persistent asthma (asthma that causes symptoms more than twice a week and frequent attacks that affect activity).

The most effective long-term control asthma medications are those that stop airway inflammation (anti-inflammatory drugs), but there are others that are often used along with anti-inflammatory drugs to enhance their effect.

Long-term control asthma medications include:

Corticosteroids (The inhaled form is the anti-inflammatory dru...

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ALVESCO®
(ciclesonide) Inhalation Aerosol 80 mcg, 160 mcg

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The active component of ALVESCO (ciclesonide inhalation aerosol) 80 mcg Inhalation Aerosol, and ALVESCO 160 mcg Inhalation Aerosol is ciclesonide, a non-halogenated glucocorticoid having the chemical name pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, 16,17-[[(R)-cyclohexylmethylene]bis(oxy)]-11-hydroxy-21-(2-methyl-1-oxopropoxy) ,(11β, 16α). The empirical formula is C₃₂H₄₄O₇ and its molecular weight is 540.7. Its structural formula is as follows:

ALVESCO® (ciclesonide) Structural Formula Illustration

Ciclesonide is a white to yellow-white powder. It is soluble in dehydrated alcohol, acetone, dichloromethane, and chloroform.

ALVESCO (ciclesonide inhalation aerosol) 80 mcg Inhalation Aerosol and ALVESCO (ciclesonide inhalation aerosol) 160 mcg Inhalation Aerosol are pressurized, metered-dose aerosol units fitted with a dose indicator. ALVESCO (ciclesonide inhalation aerosol) is intended for oral inhalation only. Each unit contains a solution of ciclesonide in propellant HFA-134a (1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane) and ethanol. After priming, ALVESCO 80 mcg delivers 100 mcg from the valve and 80 mcg of ciclesonide from the actuator. ALVESCO 160 mcg delivers 200 mcg from the valve and 160 mcg of ciclesonide from the actuator. This product delivers 50 microliters (59.3 milligrams) of solution as a fine particle mist from the valve with each actuation. The actual amount of drug delivered to the lung may depend on patient factors, such as the coordination between the actuation of the device and inspiration through the delivery system. ALVESCO (ciclesonide inhalation aerosol) should be “primed” by actuating 3 times prior to using the first dose from a new canister or when the inhaler has not been used for more than 10 days. Avoid spraying in the eyes or face while priming ALVESCO (ciclesonide inhalation aerosol) .

What are the possible side effects of ciclesonide inhalation (Alvesco)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medication;
sores or white patches in your mouth or throat;
vision problems, such as tunnel vision or blurred vision; or
worsening asthma symptoms.

Less serious side effects...

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What are the precautions when taking ciclesonide inhalation aerosol (Alvesco)?

Before using ciclesonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., beclomethasone, fluticasone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: tuberculosis, untreated infections (e.g., fungus, bacteria), certain eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts, herpes infection of the eye), liver disease, adrenal gland problems (e.g., adrenal insufficiency), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), bone loss (osteoporosis).

If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone tablets) to...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 2/17/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.