Ciclesonide, a non-hologenated glucocorticoid, is a medicine prescribed by a physician to patients who suffer from allergies and/or asthma. The primary methods of administering this medication are inhalers and nasal sprays, depending on the patient's symptoms. Inhalers and nasal sprays are often marketed under different brand names, but ciclesonide is the active ingredient in both, and assists in both symptom relief and maintenance for both allergies and asthma.
Glucocorticoids are in the steroid family, and the effects of long-term use should be researched by the patient. Some of the medications including this ingredient may weaken the immune system and make the body vulnerable to infection. The patient should disclose any previous or current medical conditions to a doctor before starting medication. A weakened immune system could make a current infection worse, or not protect the body from recurring problems. It may also be harmful to pregnant women, and a physician should be consulted before taking any medications.
Both year-round and seasonal allergies are treated with this type of medication. Nasal sprays that contain ciclesonide are most often prescribed for both adults and children who suffer from allergies, and the dosage depends on the age and severity of symptoms. The medicine is ingested through the nasal passage by inserting the nozzle of the canister into the nostril and simultaneously breathing and pressing down on the canister. This medicine works by reducing nasal inflammation when ciclesonide is converted to des-ciclesonide, an anti-inflammatory, inside the nasal cavity.
Asthma patients receive an inhaler that requires daily use in order to minimize asthmatic symptoms. The ciclesonide in the inhaler reduces inflammation in the body's air passages once the minute particles reach the lungs. This inhaler does not treat impetuous symptoms, but is a long-term treatment that may prevent sudden asthmatic attacks. It is generally prescribed to children over the age of 12 as well as adults with severe asthma.
Some of the severe side effects may include persistent infections, an abnormal menstrual cycle, weight gain, and slowed growth in children, which are mostly effects caused by continuous steroid use. The less severe side effects that can occur are throat pain, headaches, nosebleeds, ear pain, and dizziness. These negative reactions are not experienced by all patients, and should be reported to a medical professional immediately. The patient should not discontinue use of ciclesonide without supervision of his or her prescribing physician due to the possibility of withdrawal symptoms.
