Can Alvesco be used to stop an asthma attack right now?

No, Alvesco is for long-term maintenance and prevention; it is not for treating sudden asthma attacks or emergencies.

What should I do after using my Ciclesonide inhaler?

You should rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after use to help prevent mouth infections like thrush.

How do I prepare my Alvesco inhaler for the first time?

You must prime the inhaler by spraying it 3 times before using your first dose or if it hasn't been used for 10 days.

Is Ciclesonide safe for children?

It is approved for children 12 years and older, but it has not been established as safe for children under 12.

Can Ciclesonide cause mouth infections?

Yes, it can cause yeast infections (Candida albicans) in the mouth and throat.

Will Ciclesonide affect my child's growth?

It may suppress growth in children, so regular growth monitoring is recommended.

Can Ciclesonide cause eye problems?

Yes, there is a risk for developing glaucoma, cataracts, or increased eye pressure.

What happens if I take too much Ciclesonide over a long period?

Chronic overuse may lead to signs of hypercorticism.

ciclesonide | CAS 126544-47-6 | LUKZNWIVRBCLON

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Inhaled corticosteroid

Ciclesonide (brand names Alvesco, Zetonna, Omnaris) is an inhaled steroid used for the long-term maintenance and prevention of asthma in adults and children ages 12 and older. It is not meant to treat sudden asthma attacks or breathing emergencies.

How it worksCiclesonide is a prodrug that turns into an active medicine (des-ciclesonide) once inhaled. This active medicine works by reducing inflammation in the airways by targeting glucocorticoid receptors.

Brand names:ALVESCO, ZETONNA, OMNARIS

Used for

Maintenance treatment of asthmaPrevention of asthma symptoms

Conditions

Asthma

Class

CorticosteroidInhaled steroidInhaled corticosteroidRespiratory

How to take

FormsMetered-dose inhalation aerosol

RoutesInhalation

Starting doses usually begin at 80 mcg twice daily, though the highest recommended dose can be up to 320 mcg twice daily depending on previous treatments.

Prime the inhaler before the first use or if it hasn't been used for more than 10 days. After using, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to prevent mouth infections.

Key warnings

·Not for acute asthma attacks or emergencies.
·May cause fungal infections in the mouth or throat.
·Can cause growth suppression in children; growth should be monitored.
·Risk of eye issues like increased pressure or cataracts.
·May worsen existing infections like tuberculosis or herpes simplex.
·Risk of adrenal gland problems if switching from oral steroids.

Do not use if

·Using this for sudden, severe asthma attacks (status asthmaticus).
·Known allergy to ciclesonide or any ingredients in the inhaler.

Side effects

Common

HeadacheNasal congestionSinusitisSore throatUpper respiratory infectionJoint painBack painPain in limbs

Serious

·Mouth or throat yeast infections (thrush)
·Eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts
·Slowed growth in children
·Weakened immune system or increased risk of infection
·Adrenal gland issues
·Thinning of bones

Seek help if

·Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat (allergic reaction)
·Severe asthma attack
·Vision changes

Interactions

·Ketoconazole (may increase the amount of medicine in your body)
·Tybost
·Prezista
·Onmel
·Paxlovid
·Norvir
·Evotaz

Special populations

PregnancyThere is limited data on using Alvesco in pregnant women. While animal studies showed no fetal harm at high doses, some changes in weight or bones were seen in rabbits. Use with caution.

PediatricSafe and effective for children 12 years of age and older. It has not been tested in children under 12.

GeriatricNot specifically studied in people over 65, but doctors should use caution and often start with lower doses due to potential changes in how older adults process medicine.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Mouth and throat for infections
·Child's growth
·Vision and eye pressure
·Signs of adrenal insufficiency

Questions to ask

·How will this affect my child's growth?
·Should I be concerned about my eye health?
·How do I switch from oral steroids to this inhaler?
·What should I do if I develop a mouth sore?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetCorticosteroids do not affect asthma symptoms immediately; effects take time to develop.

BioavailabilityCiclesonide and its active metabolite have very low oral absorption (less than 1%).

Protein bindingNo potential for protein binding-based drug interactions was suggested in studies.

MetabolismCiclesonide is a prodrug that is converted into the active metabolite des-ciclesonide after inhalation.

Practical

OverdoseLong-term overuse may lead to symptoms of hypercorticism (excess hormone levels).

Ingredients

Inactive

NorfluaneAlcoholEthanol

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.