Clenil Modulite Inhaler

What is a Clenil Modulite brown inhaler?

Clenil Modulite is a preventer inhaler used to control and manage the symptoms of asthma. It is often referred to as a "brown inhaler".

It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways to the lungs, making it easier to catch your breath.

You can only buy Clenil Modulite on prescription.

What is Clenil Modulite used to treat?

Clenil Modulite is a type of preventer inhaler used to prevent the symptoms of asthma. 

Regular use of a Clenil Modulite inhaler reduces the frequency of experiencing asthma symptoms and improve the quality of life among asthma sufferers.

You should not use a preventer inhaler like Clenil Modulite in the event of an asthma attack. You will need to use your "reliever" inhaler in these situations.

Why is Clenil Modulite prescribed for asthma?

The active steroid ingredient within Clenil Modulite, Beclomethasone; has been used in the treatment of asthma since 1976. It is also on the World Health Organisation's List of Essential Medicines.

It has been shown to provide effective treatment for asthma symptoms when used correctly. 

Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) are the first-line treatment in preventing persistent asthma in patients who suffer symptoms more than twice a week. ICS are also considered to be the only drug that can effectively suppress inflammation in the airways.

How does Clenil Modulite treat asthma?

Clenil Modulite contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate, which belongs to the corticosteroid family of drugs. When inhaled, this ingredient is absorbed by the cells in the lungs, which alleviates the symptoms associated with asthma such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Inhaled corticosteroids help to suppress a number of inflammatory genes present in the airways. This allows the medicine to reduce hyperresponsiveness in the airways and effectively manage asthma symptoms.

Why is Clenil Modulite called a "brown inhaler"?

Brown inhalers, also known as preventer inhalers, usually contain some form of steroid. This steroid is used to build up a resistance to asthma triggers.

Steroid inhalers are usually brown in colour so you can easily distinguish them from your reliever inhaler, which will usually be blue. A reliever inhaler should be taken during an asthma attack for instant relief.

Who can use a Clenil Modulite inhaler?

Clenil Modulite may not be suitable for everyone to use. Inform your doctor if any of the following apply to you before you use Clenil Modulite:

• You have ever been or are currently being treated for tuberculosis (TB)
• You cannot drink alcohol for any reason
• You are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine, or any other medicines used to treat asthma
• When transferring from a steroid to an inhaler, you feel unwell, have a skin rash, a runny nose, or are sneezing. Do not stop the treatment unless advised to by your doctor.
• Your asthma appears to be getting worse while you use Clenil Modulite. Your reliever inhaler may seem less effective than before, or you may need to use your reliever inhaler more frequently/in higher doses than usual.

There is evidence to suggest that asthmatics who smoke may experience corticosteroid resistance, meaning they may require a higher dose of a corticosteroid to help manage asthma symptoms.

You are advised to quit smoking if you suffer from asthma due to the impaired therapeutic responses to corticosteroids that have been reported in smokers.

Can you buy Clenil Modulite over the counter?

Clenil Modulite is a prescription-only medicine (POM), so you must have a valid UK prescription to be able to buy this product.

Additionally, you will be required to attend yearly assessments in which your doctor will carry out a peak flow test to monitor your asthma.

Can you buy Clenil Modulite online?

You can buy Clenil Modulite online at Medicine Direct after completing an online health questionnaire. This will be used to assess your medical condition by a doctor or healthcare professional.

Never buy any medicine online from anywhere but regulated UK pharmacies, like Medicine Direct. 

Clenil Modulite Alternatives

Other steroid inhalers include:

• Flixotide Inhaler (Fluticasone)
• Seretide Inhaler Purple combination inhaler
• Symbicort Turbohaler (Budesonide)
• Qvar Inhaler (Beclometasone dipropionate)
• Pulmicort Turbohaler (Budesonide)

Despite the Clenil Modulite inhaler being a commonly prescribed preventer, a 2002 study comparing Beclomethasone versus Budesonide and their efficacy when treating asthma found Budesonide to be more effective when inhaled via Turbohaler