Ciclesonide - Medication Detail

MDI (metered dose inhaler)

Alvesco can be used with a spacer.

Adults and children ≥12 years of age
Dose depends on previous therapy used:

• Prior therapy with bronchodilators alone: Initially 80 mcg twice daily (maximum dose: 320 mcg/day)
• Prior therapy with inhaled corticosteroids: Initially 80 mcg twice daily (maximum dose: 640 mcg/day)
• Prior therapy with oral corticosteroids: Initially 320 mcg twice daily (maximum dose: 640 mcg/day)

See instructions for proper use. Shaking is not necessary.

Prepare inhaler before first use or if not used for ≥7-10 days by spraying 3 puffs into the air away from face.

Remove mouthpiece cover, place inhaler in mouth, close lips around mouthpiece, and inhale slowly and deeply. Press down on top of inhaler after slow inhalation has begun. Remove inhaler while holding breath for approximately 10 seconds. Breathe out slowly and replace mouthpiece on inhaler. Rinse mouth with water (and spit out) after inhalation.

The dose indicator tells you how many doses are left. Every tenth time you take a puff, the dose counter will count down. When the numbers 20 to 0 appear in red, only a few doses remain. Discard device when the dose counter reads “0”. Rinse mouth with water after use and spit to reduce risk of throat and mouth infection.

Do not wash or place inhaler in water. Clean mouthpiece using a dry cloth or tissue once weekly.

A spacer may be used with the inhaler for easy use.

For proper inhaler technique visit our inhaler page.

• Do NOT use this drug to treat an asthma attack.
• If you have been taking this drug for many weeks, talk with your doctor before stopping. You may want to slowly stop this drug.
• Avoid being near anyone with chickenpox or measles.
• Talk with your doctor if you have glaucoma or cataracts, high blood sugar (diabetes), kidney disease, liver disease, soft or brittle bones (osteoporosis), seizures, thyroid disease, or are being treated for any type of infection.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

This medication may interact with other medications, including thiazide diuretics, and other less common medications.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your medications and health problems so they can check for any interactions.

Possible side effects include headache, cough, nose stuffiness, and sore throat.

Tell your doctor or seek medical attention if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing or swelling of the face), redness or white patches in mouth or throat since this can be a sign of an infection, chest pain, or pressure or changes in eyesight. Rinsing mouth after use can prevent infection.

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep inhaler away from open flame.
• Do not puncture canister.
• Do not store in extreme temperatures, such as in a parked car.
• Do not use the "float test" to test if canister is empty.
• Use dose counter to check number of doses remaining in the inhaler.
• Protect from heat, light, and water.