Beclometasone Dipropionate (BDP)

Beclometasone dipropionate is a potent glucocorticoid steroid. It is a prodrug of the free form, beclometasone. In the form of an inhaler, a wide number of brands of which are available, it is used for the prophylaxis of asthma. As a nasal sprayor nasal aerosol, it is used for the treatment of rhinitis and sinusitis. In some instances, it is used by oral pathologists in the treatment of unusually severe aphthous ulcers. As a cream or ointment, it is used to treat severe inflammatory skin disorders unresponsive to less potent steroids, but is generally avoided in the treatment of psoriasis due to the risk of rebound on withdrawal. It is also licensed to treat ulcerative colitis in conjunction with doses of 5-aminosalicylates in the United Kingdom in the form of a gastric acid-resistant, periodic release tablet. It is a white to creamy-white, odorless powder which is very slightly soluble in water, very soluble in chloroform, and freely soluble in acetone and in ethanol.