ARMONAIR RESPICLICK
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ARMONAIR RESPICLICK (ARMONAIR RESPICLICK).
Armonair Respiclick is a metered-dose inhaler containing beclomethasone dipropionate, a corticosteroid. It exerts anti-inflammatory effects by binding to glucocorticoid receptors, inhibiting phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis, and suppressing inflammatory cell migration and cytokine release in the airways.
| Metabolism | Beclomethasone dipropionate is a prodrug that is rapidly hydrolyzed by esterases in the lung and plasma to its active metabolite, beclomethasone-17-monopropionate (17-BMP). 17-BMP is further metabolized by CYP3A4 to inactive metabolites. |
| Excretion | Renal: approximately 99% of an administered dose is excreted in urine, with 95% as conjugated metabolites and 2% as free arformoterol. Fecal: approximately 1%. Biliary: negligible. |
| Half-life | Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 26 hours (range 21-36 hours). This supports once-daily dosing for bronchodilation in COPD. |
| Protein binding | 52% bound to human plasma proteins, primarily albumin. |
| Volume of Distribution | Volume of distribution (Vd) at steady state is approximately 8380 L (or ~118 L/kg based on 70 kg body weight), indicating extensive tissue distribution. |
| Bioavailability | Inhalation: approximately 30% of the nominal dose reaches systemic circulation; oral bioavailability is <10% due to extensive first-pass metabolism. |
| Onset of Action | Inhalation: within 7 minutes (based on FEV1 improvement) in COPD patients. |
| Duration of Action | Up to 24 hours (bronchodilator effect measured by FEV1) with once-daily dosing. |
Inhaled: 55 mcg to 113 mcg per actuation, 1 to 2 actuations twice daily. Maximum 2 actuations twice daily.
| Dosage form | POWDER |
| Renal impairment | No specific adjustment required. Caution in severe renal impairment with limited data. |
| Liver impairment | No specific Child-Pugh-based adjustments. Use caution in severe hepatic impairment. |
| Pediatric use | Not approved for use in children under 12 years of age. For adolescents 12-17 years: same as adult dosing. |
| Geriatric use | No specific dose adjustment. Use lowest effective dose due to potential for increased systemic exposure. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ARMONAIR RESPICLICK (ARMONAIR RESPICLICK).
| Breastfeeding | Unknown if excreted in human breast milk. Studies in rats have shown detectable levels in milk following inhalation. Caution should be exercised when administered to nursing women. M/P ratio not available. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Pregnancy Category C. In animal reproduction studies, inhaled corticosteroids caused teratogenic effects at doses less than or equal to the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose. No adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Should be used during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus. First trimester: risk of oral clefts and other malformations cannot be excluded. Second and third trimesters: risk of fetal growth restriction, adrenal suppression. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
No FDA black box warning.
| Serious Effects |
["Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or acute asthma exacerbations requiring intensive measures","Hypersensitivity to beclomethasone dipropionate or any excipients in the formulation"]
| Precautions | ["Localized oral and pharyngeal candidiasis","Increased susceptibility to infections (e.g., chickenpox, measles)","Adrenal insufficiency during stress or upon withdrawal in patients on high doses or systemic corticosteroids","Paradoxical bronchospasm","Reduced growth velocity in pediatric patients","Ocular effects (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts)","Hepatic impairment may affect drug metabolism"] |
| Food/Dietary | No significant food interactions. Grapefruit juice may increase systemic exposure of fluticasone; avoid large quantities. |
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| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal asthma control, FEV1, peak expiratory flow; fetal growth via ultrasound if prolonged use; consider adrenal function testing in neonate if maternal high-dose or prolonged use. |
| Fertility Effects | No human data available. Animal studies (rats) showed no impairment of fertility at inhaled doses up to 2.5 mcg/kg/day. |
| Clinical Pearls | ARMONAIR RESPICLICK (fluticasone propionate) is a dry powder inhaler (DPI) indicated for maintenance treatment of asthma. It should not be used for acute bronchospasm. Rinse mouth with water after each use to reduce risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis. Dose adjustments may be needed during stress or severe infection due to potential adrenal suppression. |
| Patient Advice | Use this inhaler exactly as prescribed; do not use it for sudden breathing problems. · Rinse mouth with water after each inhalation to prevent thrush. · Store inhaler at room temperature (20-25°C) and keep it dry; do not wash mouthpiece. · Do not stop using this medication abruptly; taper as directed by provider. · Carry a rescue inhaler (e.g., albuterol) for acute symptoms. |