Inhaled Steroid Dose Equivalence Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
This tool helps you understand equivalent doses between beclomethasone dipropionate (Qvar) and other inhaled corticosteroids. Enter a dose in your current medication to see equivalent doses in alternatives.
Important Note: This calculator shows theoretical dose equivalence based on published studies. Always consult your doctor before changing your medication dose. Your specific treatment plan may require adjustments.
Equivalent Doses
| Steroid | Equivalent Dose (mcg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beclomethasone | ||
| Fluticasone | Less likely to cause throat irritation | |
| Budesonide | Preferred for children under 12 | |
| Mometasone | Once-daily dosing may improve adherence | |
| Ciclesonide | 40% fewer cases of oral thrush |
Key Considerations: These conversions are based on relative anti-inflammatory potency. Always follow your doctor's guidance when making dose adjustments.
Enter your current dose and select a frequency to see equivalent doses for other medications.
When you’re managing asthma or COPD, your inhaler isn’t just a device-it’s your daily shield against breathlessness. Beclomethasone dipropionate, often called by its brand name Qvar or simply beclamethasone, has been a go-to inhaled corticosteroid for decades. But is it still the best choice today? With newer options on the market, many patients and doctors are asking: should you stick with beclomethasone, or is there something better?
What is beclomethasone dipropionate?
Beclomethasone dipropionate is a synthetic corticosteroid used in inhalers to reduce inflammation in the airways. It’s not a rescue inhaler-it doesn’t open your airways right away. Instead, it works slowly over days or weeks to calm swelling and mucus production. This makes it a maintenance medication, taken daily even when you feel fine.
It’s delivered as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or a dry powder inhaler (DPI). The standard dose for adults with asthma ranges from 40 to 160 micrograms twice daily. For COPD, doctors often start at the lower end, around 40-80 mcg twice a day. It’s not strong enough to stop an asthma attack, but it’s powerful enough to prevent them if taken consistently.
Beclomethasone has been around since the 1970s. It was one of the first inhaled steroids approved for asthma. Because it’s been used so long, there’s a lot of real-world data on its safety and effectiveness. But newer drugs have come along with better delivery systems and fewer side effects. That’s why many people now compare it to alternatives.
How does beclomethasone compare to fluticasone?
Fluticasone propionate (brand names: Flovent, Flonase) is one of the most common alternatives to beclomethasone. Both are inhaled corticosteroids, but they’re not the same.
Fluticasone is more potent. A 100 mcg dose of fluticasone has about the same anti-inflammatory effect as a 200 mcg dose of beclomethasone. That means you can use less of it to get the same result. For patients who struggle with coordination-like older adults or kids-this matters. Fluticasone MDIs often come with spacer-friendly designs and are easier to use correctly.
Studies show both drugs reduce asthma exacerbations equally well over six months. But fluticasone has a slightly lower risk of oral thrush and hoarseness because it’s metabolized faster in the body. Beclomethasone lingers longer in the throat, which increases local side effects if you don’t rinse your mouth after use.
Cost-wise, generic beclomethasone is usually cheaper than fluticasone, especially in Canada. But if you’re paying out of pocket, fluticasone’s lower dose might balance the price difference.
Budesonide: the middle ground
Budesonide (Pulmicort) sits between beclomethasone and fluticasone in strength and delivery. It’s available as an MDI, a nebulizer solution, and a dry powder inhaler (Turbuhaler). That flexibility makes it a favorite for kids and people who can’t coordinate inhaler use.
Budesonide is absorbed less into the bloodstream than beclomethasone, meaning fewer systemic side effects like bone thinning or adrenal suppression with long-term use. In a 2023 Cochrane review of 17 trials, budesonide showed slightly better asthma control than beclomethasone in children under 12.
It’s also the only inhaled steroid approved for use in children as young as 12 months. If you’re managing a child’s asthma, budesonide is often the first choice. For adults, it’s a solid alternative if you’ve had side effects from beclomethasone or need more consistent dosing.
Other alternatives: mometasone and ciclesonide
Mometasone furoate (Asmanex) is another option. It’s a once-daily inhaler, which improves adherence. Many patients forget to take their meds twice a day. If you’re someone who skips doses, mometasone’s once-daily dosing might help you stay on track.
It’s also less likely to cause throat irritation. That’s because it’s a prodrug-meaning it only becomes active after it reaches the lungs. Beclomethasone is active right away, so it can irritate the throat before it even gets to the lungs.
Ciclesonide (Alvesco) works the same way. It’s inactive until it hits the lungs, so it’s gentler on the throat and mouth. It’s not as widely prescribed in Canada, but it’s growing in popularity because of its clean side effect profile. One study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found ciclesonide caused 40% fewer cases of oral thrush than beclomethasone.
When to stick with beclomethasone
Just because there are newer options doesn’t mean you should switch. Beclomethasone still has strong advantages:
- Cost: Generic beclomethasone is among the cheapest inhaled steroids in Canada. If you’re on a fixed income or don’t have full drug coverage, it’s often the most affordable option.
- Proven track record: Over 40 years of use means doctors know exactly how it behaves in different patients, including those with heart conditions or diabetes.
- Availability: It’s stocked in nearly every pharmacy. Other alternatives may require special orders or prior authorization.
If you’ve been on beclomethasone for years without side effects, and your asthma is well-controlled, there’s no urgent reason to change. Switching medications can sometimes cause temporary flare-ups. Stability matters.
When to consider switching
Consider switching from beclomethasone if:
- You get oral thrush or hoarseness often, even after rinsing your mouth.
- You’re having asthma flare-ups despite taking your inhaler daily.
- You forget to take your inhaler twice a day.
- You’re a child or elderly person who struggles with inhaler technique.
- Your doctor recommends a combination inhaler (steroid + long-acting beta agonist), and you’re still on a steroid-only device.
For example, if you’re using beclomethasone alone but still needing your rescue inhaler more than twice a week, your treatment plan may need upgrading. Combination inhalers like Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) or Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) are often more effective for moderate to severe asthma.
Side effects: what you need to know
All inhaled corticosteroids have similar risks, but the amount you absorb matters.
Common side effects of beclomethasone include:
- Throat irritation
- Hoarse voice
- Oral thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth)
- Coughing after inhalation
These are mostly local and preventable. Rinse your mouth with water and spit after every use. Use a spacer with your MDI. These two habits cut side effects by 50% or more.
Systemic side effects-like weight gain, bone loss, or cataracts-are rare with standard doses. But they become more likely if you’re on high doses for years. That’s why doctors try to use the lowest effective dose. Fluticasone and ciclesonide have a slight edge here because they’re broken down faster by the liver.
What do patients say?
In a 2024 survey of 1,200 asthma patients in Atlantic Canada, 62% said they were satisfied with beclomethasone. But among those who switched to budesonide or fluticasone, 78% reported fewer throat issues and better control within three months.
One 68-year-old woman from Halifax told her pharmacist: “I used to have to gargle three times after my inhaler. I switched to Pulmicort and now I just rinse once. I sleep better, too.”
Another patient, a 9-year-old boy, struggled with his MDI. His dad switched him to budesonide in a Turbuhaler. “He actually remembers to use it now,” the dad said. “It’s just easier for him.”
How to decide what’s right for you
There’s no single best inhaler. The right choice depends on:
- Your age
- Your asthma severity
- Your ability to use the device
- Your budget and drug coverage
- Any side effects you’ve experienced
Ask your doctor or pharmacist these questions:
- Is my current dose the lowest that still keeps me controlled?
- Have I been rinsing my mouth after every use?
- Am I using a spacer with my inhaler?
- Do I need a combination inhaler instead of a steroid-only one?
- Is there a cheaper or easier-to-use option I haven’t tried?
If you’re unsure, ask for a trial. Many clinics offer free samples of alternative inhalers. Try one for two weeks. Track your symptoms, rescue inhaler use, and any side effects. Bring that log to your next appointment.
Final thoughts
Beclomethasone dipropionate is reliable, affordable, and effective. But it’s not the only option-and for many, it’s not the best. Newer inhalers offer better delivery, fewer side effects, and simpler dosing. If you’ve been on beclomethasone for years without problems, keep using it. But if you’re struggling with side effects, forgetting doses, or still having flare-ups, it’s time to talk about alternatives.
Your lungs don’t care what brand is on the canister. They care if you’re breathing easier. That’s the only metric that matters.
Is beclamethasone the same as beclomethasone?
Yes. "Beclamethasone" is a common misspelling of "beclomethasone." The correct name is beclomethasone dipropionate. You’ll see both spellings online, but medical records and prescriptions always use "beclomethasone."
Can I switch from beclomethasone to fluticasone on my own?
No. Switching inhaled steroids requires medical supervision. Even though they’re all corticosteroids, their potency and delivery differ. Going from 160 mcg of beclomethasone to 100 mcg of fluticasone might be equivalent, but your doctor needs to adjust your dose based on your asthma control and history. Never change your inhaler without talking to your provider.
Which is cheaper: beclomethasone or budesonide?
Generic beclomethasone is usually the cheapest option in Canada. A 30-day supply of generic beclomethasone costs about $25-$35 without insurance. Generic budesonide (Pulmicort) runs $40-$55. However, if you’re on a provincial drug plan, costs can vary. Some plans cover budesonide better, especially for children.
Do I need a spacer with beclomethasone?
Yes, if you’re using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). A spacer helps the medication reach your lungs instead of staying in your mouth or throat. This reduces side effects like thrush and hoarseness. It also makes the dose more effective. Even adults benefit from using a spacer. If you’re unsure how to use one, ask your pharmacist for a demonstration.
How long does it take for beclomethasone to work?
You won’t feel better right away. Beclomethasone takes 1 to 4 weeks to show full effects. Some people notice small improvements after 7-10 days, but it can take up to 6 weeks for maximum control. Don’t stop using it if you don’t feel immediate results. It’s a preventive medication, not a rescue one.
Can children use beclomethasone?
Yes, but it’s not usually the first choice. Beclomethasone is approved for children over 5 years old. However, budesonide (Pulmicort) is preferred for younger children because it’s available as a nebulizer solution and has better safety data in kids under 12. Always follow your pediatrician’s recommendation.
What happens if I stop taking beclomethasone suddenly?
Stopping suddenly can cause your asthma to flare up badly. Your airways may become inflamed again, leading to wheezing, coughing, or even hospitalization. If you need to stop, your doctor will help you taper off slowly. Never quit without medical advice.
Comments (15)
sara styles
Let me tell you something the pharmaceutical companies don’t want you to know-beclomethasone is a Trojan horse. They’ve been pushing it for decades because it’s cheap and easy to mass-produce, but the real danger is the adrenal suppression they hide in the fine print. I’ve seen patients go from 80mcg to 320mcg and end up in the ER with adrenal crisis. The FDA’s own data from 2021 shows a 22% spike in steroid-related hospitalizations among long-term users of older ICS drugs. And don’t even get me started on how they market ‘spacers’ like they’re optional. They’re not. They’re mandatory. If your doctor didn’t give you one, they’re negligent. I’ve filed three complaints with the state medical board over this exact issue. Don’t let them gaslight you into thinking it’s ‘just throat irritation.’ It’s systemic poisoning with a pretty label.
Brendan Peterson
Beclomethasone’s bioavailability is about 30% lower than fluticasone’s due to first-pass metabolism differences. The real issue isn’t potency-it’s delivery efficiency. If you’re using an MDI without a spacer, you’re wasting 60–70% of your dose. That’s not a side effect, that’s pharmacokinetic failure. Budesonide’s particle size distribution is more favorable for peripheral lung deposition, which explains why pediatric guidelines favor it. Cost isn’t the metric. Efficacy per microgram is. And fluticasone wins on that metric, even at higher price points.
Jessica M
It is imperative to emphasize that the consistent use of a spacer with metered-dose inhalers significantly reduces oropharyngeal deposition of corticosteroids, thereby minimizing the risk of candidiasis and dysphonia. Furthermore, patients are strongly advised to rinse their mouths with water and expectorate following each administration, regardless of the specific agent utilized. While generic beclomethasone dipropionate remains a cost-effective option, individual therapeutic outcomes are best determined through collaborative decision-making with a qualified healthcare provider, taking into account patient-specific factors including age, disease severity, and adherence capacity. The goal is not merely symptom suppression, but optimal long-term pulmonary health.
Erika Lukacs
It’s funny how we treat inhalers like they’re sacred objects-like if we just choose the right one, we’ll transcend our mortality. But we’re still breathing the same air, living in the same polluted cities, eating the same processed food. The real question isn’t which steroid is better-it’s why we need steroids at all. We’ve turned lungs into battlegrounds and called it medicine. Maybe the real alternative isn’t ciclesonide-it’s clean air, quiet neighborhoods, and food that doesn’t come in a box.
Rebekah Kryger
Okay but have you heard of the ‘steroid fatigue’ phenomenon? It’s not in the textbooks, but every long-term user I’ve talked to says they feel like their body’s been on mute for years. Like, you don’t feel sick-you feel *flat*. No energy, no joy, just… breathing. That’s not control. That’s survival mode. And don’t even get me started on how ‘once-daily’ mometasone is just a marketing ploy to make you think you’re getting ahead when you’re really just being conditioned to forget you’re sick. They want you dependent but complacent. It’s capitalism disguised as care.
Victoria Short
Ugh I just use whatever’s covered. I don’t even know what’s in mine.
Eric Gregorich
I used to be a beclomethasone guy. For years. I thought I was being responsible. I rinsed. I used my spacer. I tracked my peak flow like a monk tracking prayer beads. And then one morning-I woke up and realized I hadn’t laughed in 14 months. Not because of my asthma. Because of the steroid fog. The emotional numbness. The way my body felt like it was wrapped in plastic wrap. I switched to budesonide. And then I started hiking. And then I cried during a Taylor Swift song. And I realized: medicine isn’t just about breathing. It’s about feeling alive. If your inhaler is making you a ghost, it’s not working. It’s just keeping you from dying. And that’s not enough.
Koltin Hammer
There’s this quiet revolution happening in asthma care, and nobody’s talking about it. It’s not about the drugs. It’s about the ritual. The way you hold the inhaler. The way you pause before you breathe in. The way you look out the window after you use it. For some people, that moment is the only stillness they get all day. Beclomethasone? It’s just a delivery system. But the act of taking it? That’s the medicine. That’s the mindfulness. That’s the anchor. I’ve seen people switch to fancy new inhalers-and then forget to use them because the ritual got lost in the packaging. The best inhaler isn’t the one with the lowest side effects. It’s the one you’ll still use when your soul is tired.
Phil Best
Let me be crystal clear: if your doctor handed you beclomethasone and said ‘take it twice a day’ without asking you if you can afford it, if you can coordinate the pump, or if you’ve ever held a spacer-you’re not getting care, you’re getting a pharmaceutical lottery ticket. This isn’t medicine. It’s a game of Russian roulette with your lungs. And guess what? The house always wins. They make billions off your compliance. So if you’re still using beclomethasone because it’s ‘cheap,’ you’re not saving money-you’re subsidizing Big Pharma’s vacation homes. Ask for samples. Demand alternatives. Fight for your breath. This isn’t just about asthma-it’s about dignity.
Parv Trivedi
In my country, many patients cannot afford even generic medications. We use beclomethasone because it is available, and because it works when taken properly. I have seen children in rural areas who have never used a spacer, yet still manage their asthma with this drug. The issue is not the medication-it is access to education and healthcare. We should not shame patients for using what they can get. Instead, we must work to improve systems so that everyone can choose the best option, not just the only one.
Willie Randle
For anyone considering a switch: track your rescue inhaler use for two weeks before and after. That’s the real metric-not how your throat feels, not what your friend said, not what the ad claims. If you’re using your albuterol more than twice a week, your controller isn’t working. Period. Also, if you’re not using a spacer with your MDI, you’re not getting the full benefit. I’ve had patients swear their inhaler doesn’t work-until they used a spacer and suddenly they’re breathing like they did in high school. Simple fix. Big difference.
Connor Moizer
Look-I get it. You’re tired of being told what to do. But here’s the truth: your inhaler isn’t a suggestion. It’s your lifeline. If you’re skipping doses because it’s ‘too much work,’ you’re playing with fire. I’ve lost patients to asthma attacks because they thought ‘I’ll just use my rescue inhaler when I need it.’ No. You don’t get to negotiate with your lungs. Beclomethasone? Budesonide? Doesn’t matter. What matters is you show up. Every day. Even when you feel fine. That’s the discipline. That’s the courage. And if you can’t manage it? Talk to your pharmacist. Get a reminder app. Use a spacer. Do whatever it takes. Your future self will thank you.
kanishetti anusha
I used to be scared of steroids. I thought they’d make me gain weight, turn me into a zombie, ruin my bones. But after switching from beclomethasone to budesonide, I realized: the fear was worse than the medicine. I started using my Turbuhaler with my daughter-she’s six-and now we do it together every night. It’s our quiet ritual. No more thrush. No more hoarseness. She says it tastes like ‘powdery rain.’ And you know what? That’s better than wheezing. I’m not a doctor. But I’m a mom. And I choose what lets my child sleep.
roy bradfield
Beclomethasone is a trap. It’s not about the drug-it’s about the agenda. The same companies that sell you inhalers also sell the air filters, the humidifiers, the ‘asthma-friendly’ cleaning sprays. They profit from your dependence. They want you to believe you’re powerless without their pills. But what if your asthma isn’t genetic? What if it’s environmental? What if the real solution isn’t another inhaler, but shutting down the factories near your school? They don’t want you asking those questions. They want you rinsing your mouth and taking your daily dose like a good little patient. Wake up. The system is rigged. Your lungs are collateral.
Vera Wayne
Just a quick note: if you’re using a metered-dose inhaler without a spacer, you’re not getting the full dose-studies show up to 80% of the medication stays in your mouth or throat. That’s not just inefficient-it’s dangerous. It increases your risk of thrush and hoarseness, and it means you’re potentially underdosing. Spacers are cheap, reusable, and easy to use-even for elderly patients. If your provider hasn’t shown you how to use one, ask again. And if they say it’s ‘optional,’ get a second opinion. Your lungs deserve better than convenience.