Clenil Modulite Composition
Clenil Modulite contains beclomethasone dipropionate as its active ingredient, which is a synthetic halogenated corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory properties. 1
Active Ingredient Details
Beclomethasone dipropionate is a pro-drug with weak glucocorticoid receptor binding affinity that is hydrolyzed via esterase enzymes to its active metabolite beclomethasone-17-monopropionate (B-17-MP), which has high topical anti-inflammatory activity. 1
The chemical name of beclomethasone dipropionate is 9-chloro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17,21-dipropionate. It is a white to creamy-white, odorless powder that is:
- Very slightly soluble in water
- Very soluble in chloroform
- Freely soluble in acetone and ethanol 1
Formulation Components
Clenil Modulite is formulated as a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) containing:
- Beclomethasone dipropionate (active ingredient)
- HFA (hydrofluoroalkane) propellant - making it a CFC-free formulation 2
Unlike older formulations that used chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants, Clenil Modulite uses the more environmentally friendly HFA propellant system. The "Modulite" technology refers to the specific formulation that creates an extrafine aerosol, allowing for better lung deposition. 3
Available Strengths
Clenil Modulite is available in different strengths for different age groups and severity of asthma. The dosage is measured in micrograms (μg) of beclomethasone dipropionate per actuation. 4
Clinical Relevance
Beclomethasone dipropionate in Clenil Modulite is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that:
- Reduces airway inflammation
- Decreases airway hyperresponsiveness
- Inhibits inflammatory cell migration and activation
- Blocks late-phase reactions to allergens 4
It is important to note that when comparing different inhaled corticosteroids, beclomethasone dipropionate has specific equivalence ratios to other ICS medications. For example, 400 μg of beclomethasone dipropionate is approximately equivalent to 800 μg of budesonide or 200-250 μg of fluticasone propionate. 4
Potential Side Effects
Common side effects associated with beclomethasone dipropionate include:
- Oropharyngeal candidiasis (more common with beclomethasone than with some other inhaled corticosteroids)
- Dysphonia (hoarseness)
- Potential for adrenal suppression at high doses 5
To minimize oropharyngeal side effects, patients should be advised to rinse their mouth after using Clenil Modulite.