Clenil Modulite is a ‘preventer’ inhaler used regularly to help prevent the symptoms of asthma. It helps to reduce the inflammation in your lungs and prevent symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath.

Clenil Modulite comes as a brown coloured inhaler and contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate.

Is Clenil Modulite a steroid?

Yes. Clenil contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate, which is a type of steroid medicine.

What is the difference between Clenil and Qvar?

Clenil and Qvar are similar ‘preventer inhalers’ which also contain steroids. They work in the same way to help prevent the symptoms of asthma.

The main difference between Clenil and Qvar is that Qvar contains extra fine particles of the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate, and it is twice as strong as Clenil. So, you will usually be prescribed a lower dose of Qvar compared to Clenil.

Clenil contains steroids which work as anti-inflammatory medicines. This means they help reduce the inflammation causing swelling and irritation in your airways and lungs, so you can breathe more easily.

Clenil inhalers contain pressurised steroid solutions (beclometasone dipropionate) in the following doses per actuation inhalation solution:

• Clenil 50 micrograms
• Clenil 100 micrograms
• Clenil 200 micrograms
• Clenil 250 micrograms

Your doctor will prescribe a suitable Clenil preventer inhaler, containing the right dosage for you.

It is important you use your Clenil inhaler regularly and correctly as shown by your doctor. This allows the medicine to get into your airways and improve your symptoms over time.

To begin, take the following steps:

1. Remove the mouthpiece cover on your Clenil inhaler to check it is clean inside and outside before using it
2. Shake the inhaler before using it to make sure the solution is mixed well
3. Sit or stand upright. Hold the inhaler upright, with your thumb at the base of the inhaler, just below its mouthpiece
4. To begin, breathe out as far as possible
5. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it without biting it
6. Breathe in slowly and press down on the top of the inhaler
7. Continue breathing in steadily and deeply as the inhaler releases a puff of medicine, then hold your breath as long as you can, to allow the medication get into your airways
8. Breathe out slowly
9. If you are supposed to take another puff, keep the inhaler upright and wait for 30 seconds before repeating the process
10. Replace the mouthpiece cover immediately after using your inhaler

If you find it hard to use your inhaler with the steps above, your doctor can give you a ‘spacer’ This is a device that can help you inhale the medication more easily.

How long does a Clenil Inhaler take to work?

You need to use your Clenil inhaler regularly as prescribed, for it to work well and prevent your asthma symptoms.

Clenil inhalers contain a steroid which takes a few days of using it regularly to build up its effect. Usually your symptoms should improve in 3 to 7 days. You should speak to your doctor if you do not notice any change in your symptoms after 7 days.

How often can I use my Clenil Modulite inhaler?

You should use your Clenil inhaler regularly, as prescribed by your doctor, which is usually twice a day, to be used everyday. Your doctor will prescribe a suitable starting dose of Clenil depending on how often you have flare-ups of asthma symptoms.

For example, if your doctor decides to put you on a starting dose of 200 micrograms, twice daily, you will need to take 2 puffs of Clenil 100 micrograms inhaler, in the morning and another 2 puffs in the evening.

You should not use Clenil to relieve serious asthma attack symptoms as they do not work as quickly as ‘reliever inhalers’ like salbutamol.

How many puffs of Clenil Modulite is safe?

The maximum dose of Clenil that can be prescribed safely is 800 micrograms to be taken twice daily.

Depending on your response to Clenil, your doctor may increase your starting dose over time, up to a maximum of 800 micrograms.

How long does my Clenil Modulite inhaler last?

The Clenil dose your doctor prescribes will determine how long your inhaler lasts.

Each canister of Clenil inhaler contains 200 puffs.

If you are prescribed a starting dose of 200 micrograms twice daily, and you are using a Clenil 100 micrograms inhaler, this would mean taking 4 puffs a day, so your inhaler should last for 50 days.

How to maintain your Clenil Modulite inhaler

You should aim to clean your Clenil inhaler at least once a week. Do not use water or other liquids to clean your inhaler.

Use the following steps to clean your Clenil inhaler:

1. Pull away the protective cap from your inhaler’s mouthpiece
2. Use a cotton swab to clean the small opening on the mouthpiece where the medicine sprays out from the canister
3. Twist the cotton swab in a circular motion to clean any medicine in the mouthpiece opening
4. Replace the mouthpiece opening

How to store your Clenil Modulite inhaler

Your Clenil inhaler contains a pressured solution.

You should not store or expose your Clenil inhaler to temperatures above 30C.

Do not expose your inhaler to direct heat, sunlight or frost. Do not use your inhaler past its expiry date.

Clenil Modulite is a prescription only medicine which means you cannot buy it over the counter. You need a doctor to prescribe a Clenil inhaler for you before you can get it from a pharmacy.

Can I get Clenil Modulite online?

Yes. You can buy Clenil online from UK registered pharmacies like Superdrug Online Doctor after a review by one of our doctors. However, you can only get repeat prescriptions.

You will have to first be diagnosed with asthma by your local GP who will prescribe a suitable treatment.

Can I get Clenil Modulite on the NHS?

You may be able to get Clenil inhalers on the NHS if you are eligible and have been diagnosed with asthma.

You will need to book a face to face appointment to confirm your diagnosis and start treatment. Your GP may also want to review your progress when you want a repeat prescription.

You may have some side effects when using Clenil but not everyone gets them. The full list of Clenil side effects and cautions can be found in the patient information leaflet that comes with your inhaler.

You should tell your doctor if you have any side effects when using Clenil. Some common side effects reported when using Clenil may include:

• dry or sore throat
• hoarse voice
• oral thrush (fungal infection in your mouth)

These common side effects may be prevented by brushing your teeth or rinsing out your mouth straight after using your inhaler.

Some uncommon or rare Clenil side effects may include:

• sleeping problems
• depression
• anxiety
• mood changes
• glaucoma
• cushing syndrome
• cataracts

Speak to your doctor if you have any of these uncommon side effects or are worried about any other side effects.

Serious Clenil side effects

It is rare to have serious side effects when using Clenil but you should be aware of them and seek medical attention straight away if you have them.

• If you notice an increase in symptoms of wheezing, shortness or breath or coughing straight after using Clenil inhaler, stop using it and use your quick acting ‘reliever’ inhaler straight away
• You should also contact your doctor as soon as possible. They may decide to review your treatment and prescribe a lower dose or change your inhaler completely

If you notice signs of an allergic reaction after using your Clenil inhaler, stop using it and seek immediate medical attention.

Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• swelling in your face, lips, throat or tongue
• red, itchy, swollen and blistered skin
• difficulty breathing

Can you overdose on Clenil Modulite?

Yes. You must never take more Clenil than you have been prescribed. If you do so, it will increase your risk of having side effects, including serious and long-term side effects. If you feel you need to use more doses of inhaler than has been prescribed, you must talk with your doctor about the best treatment for your asthma.

Does Clenil Modulite cause weight gain?

Weight gain when taking steroids is more likely when taking steroid tablets. Your risk of having weight gain is very low when using steroid inhalers like Clenil.

Steroid inhalers like Clenil Modulite may not be suitable for everyone, especially people who have certain conditions or risk factors.

It is important to tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have been diagnosed with and all medications you are currently taking, including over the counter medications.

Clenil may not be suitable for you if you:

• have tuberculosis
• have had an allergic reaction to steroid medicines in the past
• are not supposed to take any alcohol (Clenil inhalers contain ethanol)
• are taking medicines to treat HIV or fungal infections
• are trying to become pregnant or are pregnant (your doctor will advise what to do, as it is still important to control your asthma during pregnancy)

Some medicines may interact with Clenil and increase your risk of experiencing side effects.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:

• Ritonavir or Cobicistat (HIV medicines)
• Other medicines that contain steroids
• Antifungal medicines like ketoconazole or itraconazole
• Metronidazole (antibiotics)