Clenil modulite (beclometasone inhaler)

We look at everything you need to know about using this brown preventer inhaler to control your asthma symptoms and help prevent asthma attacks

What is Clenil modulite used for?

    Clenil modulite is a 'preventer inhaler'. It's prescribed to people who need to use a reliever inhaler like salbutamol more than twice a week to relieve breathing difficulties. It's also prescribed if your asthma symptoms disturb your sleep more than once a week. Clenil modulite is taken regularly every day to reduce the inflammation in your lungs and prevent wheezing, shortness of breath and asthma attacks.

    Your breathing should usually start to improve between three to seven days after starting treatment. However, it is important to keep using this inhaler regularly, even after your asthma symptoms have improved, to prevent your breathing problems coming back.

    How does Clenil modulite work?

    Clenil modulite inhaler contains the active ingredient beclometasone, which is a type of medicine called a corticosteroid.

    Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands. They have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Beclometasone is a man-made derivative of the natural hormones and is used to decrease inflammation in the lungs. (Corticosteroids are often simply called steroids, but note they are not the same as anabolic steroids, which are abused by some athletes and body builders.)

    When you breathe in beclometasone it's absorbed into the cells of the lungs and airways. It stops these cells from releasing chemicals that normally cause immune and allergic responses resulting in inflammation. By stopping these chemicals being released, beclometasone reduces inflammation in lungs that tightens the airways and makes it difficult for air to get in and out. Used regularly, beclometasone helps prevent asthma attacks and wheezing.

    How do I use Clenil modulite?

    Clenil modulite inhaler must be used regularly twice a day, every day, as directed by your doctor. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor regarding when to use your inhaler and how many puffs to take each time. Don't suddenly stop using this inhaler, even if you don't currently have any breathing problems, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping treatment is likely to make your asthma flare-up again.

    If you use your reliever inhaler at the same time as this one, you should use the reliever inhaler first to open your airways, and then take your dose from this inhaler.


    • Clenil modulite is a metered dose inhaler (sometimes called an MDI or aerosol inhaler) that delivers the medicine as a fine spray or mist. With this inhaler you co-ordinate pressing down the canister and breathing in the spray.
      • If you find it difficult to use Clenil modulite inhaler because you have problems pressing down the canister at the same time as breathing in, a spacer device such as the Volumatic can be used with this inhaler to make it easier. Children aged 15 years and under should always use a spacer with Clenil modulite. Ask your pharmacist for more information and advice.
      • Rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after each time you use Clenil modulite. This minimises the risk of developing a fungal infection in the mouth called oral thrush, which can sometimes be associated with inhaled corticosteroids. Consult your doctor if you develop white patches in your mouth or throat, as these are symptoms of thrush.
      • If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as usual when it's due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

        What should I know before using Clenil modulite?

        • Don't try to use Clenil modulite to relieve an asthma attack or breathing difficulties, as it won't work for this purpose. An asthma attack needs to be treated with a medicine that quickly opens the airways, such as salbutamol or terbutaline. These are known as relievers, and you should make sure you carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times to relieve an asthma attack if it happens.
        • If you need to use your reliever inhaler more often, or if it gets less effective at relieving shortness of breath or wheezing, you should see your doctor as soon as possible because you may be having a flare-up of your asthma. Don't exceed the dose of Clenil modulite that your doctor has prescribed.
          • Inhalers may cause an unexpected increase in wheezing and difficulty breathing (paradoxical bronchospasm) straight after using them. If this happens, don't use the inhaler again, use your reliever inhaler to open your airways and consult your doctor.
          • If you need to take high doses of Clenil modulite for a long time, it's important that you don't stop using it suddenly. Long-term use of corticosteroids can stop your adrenal glands producing enough natural steroids, which means your body can become temporarily reliant on the medicine. If your doctor wants you to stop treatment with Clenil modulite your dose should be tapered down gradually, to allow your adrenal glands to start producing adequate amounts of natural steroids again.
          • People taking high doses of Clenil modulite for a long time may need to take extra steroid medicines during times of physical stress, for example illnesses, serious accidents or surgery. This is because your adrenal glands would normally produce more steroid hormones to cope with these situations. For more information talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

            Who might need extra monitoring while using Clenil modulite?

            • People with a history of tuberculosis.
            • People with fungal or viral infections in the airways.

              Who shouldn't use Clenil modulite?

              • People who are allergic or intolerant to any ingredient of the medicine. Check the ingredients in the leaflet that comes with your inhaler if you know you have specific allergies or intolerances.

                Can I use Clenil modulite while pregnant or breastfeeding?

                • The amount of medicine that passes into breast milk after using an inhaler is negligable and unlikely to have any harmful effects on a nursing infant.
                • You should use continue to use Clenil modulite as normal if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, though of course do make sure that your doctor knows.

                What are the possible side effects of Clenil modulite?

                Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that may be associated with beclometasone inhalers. Just because a side effect is stated here, doesn't mean that all people using Clenil modulite will experience that or any side effect.

                Very common side effects (affect more than 1 in 10 people)



                  • Throat irritation.
                  • Hoarse voice.

                    Inhaled corticosteroids have considerably fewer side effects than steroids taken by mouth. However, when taken for long periods of time at high doses, they do have the potential to cause very rare side effects such as glaucoma, cataracts, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), Cushing's syndrome, changes in mood or behaviour (including hyperactivity, aggression, irritability, anxiety, depression or sleep disturbances), slowed growth in children and adolescents and to suppress the functioning of the adrenal glands (glands that produce natural steroid hormones). Your doctor will always prescribe the lowest effective dose to control your symptoms, and monitor for these side effects.

                    Tell your doctor if you experience blurred vision or any other changes in your vision while using Clenil modulite.

                    Children having long-term treatment with corticosteroids should have their height and weight monitored. If a child's growth appears to be slowed your doctor may refer them to a paediatrician. For more information talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

                    If you want more information about the possible side effects of using a beclometasone inhaler you should read the leaflet that comes with your inhaler or talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?

                    Can I use other medicines with Clenil modulite?

                    It's important to tell your doctor what medicines you're already using, including herbal medicines and those bought without a prescription, before you start using Clenil modulite. You should also check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while you're using Clenil modulite, to make sure that the combination is safe.

                    This is particularly important if you've been using or want to use other medicines that contain corticosteroids, for example steroid nasal sprays for hayfever, or steroid creams for eczema. You may be more likely to get side effects if you're using more than one type of steroid medication and your doctor may want to monitor you more closely.

                    Remember also that some medicines might not be suitable for you because you have asthma, rather than because you are using Clenil modulite to treat it.

                    What other medicines contain beclometasone?

                      Beclometasone aerosol inhalers are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.

                      Once you start using Clenil modulite, your doctor should prescribe it by its brand name on your repeat prescriptions, to make sure you receive the same inhaler each time you get a repeat from the pharmacy. This is because other CFC-free beclometasone aerosol inhalers are not interchangeable with this one.

                      Fostair inhaler contains beclometasone in combination with a medicine that opens the airways called formoterol.

                      As beclometasone reduces inflammation, it is also found in various other medicines that are used to treat inflammatory conditions in other parts of the body. These include beclometasone cream and ointment for eczema, Beconase nasal sprays for hayfever and Clipper tablets for inflammatory bowel disease.

                      Last updated 28.02.2018

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