ciclesonide (Alvesco)

Ciclesonide (Alvesco) is a man-made steroid for inhalation in the glucocorticoid family. It is related to the naturally-occurring steroid hormone, cortisol or hydrocortisone, produced by the adrenal glands. The body converts ciclesonide to des-ciclesonide, which is the active form of the drug. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as an inhaler, ciclesonide travels to the airways in the lung. In people with asthma, the suppression of inflammation within the airways reduces the spasm of muscle cells that surround the airways as well as the accumulation of fluid and cells that accompanies the inflammation which lead to narrowing of the airways. The narrowing makes it difficult to get air into and out of the lungs. When used in lower doses, very little ciclesonide is absorbed into the body. When higher doses are used, ciclesonide is absorbed and may cause side effects elsewhere in the body. The FDA approved ciclesonide in January 2010.

What brand names are available for ciclesonide?

Alvesco

Is ciclesonide available as a generic drug?

No

Do I need a prescription for ciclesonide?

Yes

WARNING

• Ciclesonide may cause bronchospasm.
• Ciclesonide should not be used for treatment of acute asthmatic attacks.
• Ciclesonide may worsen existing viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections such as tuberculosis, measles, chicken pox, or herpes.

The recommended dose is 80 to 320 mcg oral inhalation twice daily.

Some drugs (for example, ketoconazole [Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric]) that reduce the activity of liver enzymes that breakdown drugs may increase the levels of des-ciclesonide, which is the active form of ciclesonide, and lead to increased exposure of the body to des-ciclesonide and more side effects.

Use during pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated. Ciclesonide harmed the fetus in animal reproductive studies.

It is not known whether ciclesonide is secreted in breast milk. Other medications in this class are secreted into breast milk. It is not known whether the small amounts of ciclesonide that may appear in breast milk have an effect on the infant.

What preparations of ciclesonide are available?

Aerosol: 80, and 160 mcg per inhalation

How should I keep ciclesonide stored?

Ciclesonide should be stored at room temperature, between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F).