Ciclohale (Ciclesonide 160mcg) Inhaler

Ciclohale is used as a long-term “preventer” treatment of asthma for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. Ciclohale inhaler 160mcg does not provide symptomatic relief of bronchospasm, cough and wheeze and a separate “reliever” inhaler, such as Ventolin may be required as part of an asthma management plan. Ciclohale inhaler controls underlying inflammation of the airways and reduces sensitivity to allergens or irritants in the air, improving lung function and reducing symptoms of asthma, including, wheezing, cough tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. 

Ciclohale inhaler contains ciclesonide 160mcg, which is a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medication that blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals released in the airways in response to asthma trigger, such as allergens or irritants in the air.  Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of asthma along with bronchospasm, which is constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles (small airways).  Ciclohale inhaler works directly on the airway walls to reduce inflammatory reactions in the airways, which helps to prevent symptoms of asthma caused by swollen and inflamed airways, like wheezing, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.  It does not relieve bronchospasm which happens during an asthma attack and needs a “reliever” medication to open the airways.  

Ciclohale inhaler 160mcg contains the active ingredient ciclesonide, a corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory, used as an asthma prevention medication. Each Ciclohale inhaler 160mcg contains 120 metered doses. Ciclohale is available in two strengths, 80mcg and 160mcg.

Ciclohale inhaler 160mcg is used as a long-term “preventer” medication to reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lung, as part of an asthma management plan to reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma, and to improve lung function.  Your asthma management plan may also include a bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm, (constriction or narrowing of the bronchioles or small airways).  Both are intended to be taken together, only if recommended by your doctor.  You may also be prescribed a short-acting bronchodilator for relief of bronchospasm during an asthma attack, to be used as needed.  

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Ciclohale include a sore throat or tongue, which may be due to candida infection (thrush), hoarseness or throat irritation and contusion in the skin (bruising).

You should not use Ciclohale Inhaler 160mcg if you:

• are allergic to ciclesonide or any ingredients in Ciclohale
• are taking other medications for immunosuppression, without discussion with your doctor
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are a diabetic, without discussion with your doctor, as the ciclesonide in Ciclohale inhaler may increase your glucose levels
• have tuberculosis of the lung or other long term lung infection
• are taking other medications that may interact with Ciclohale inhaler, like ritonavir for HIV infection, and the antifungal drug ketoconazole.

Long term use of Ciclohale inhaler (CFC-Free) may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently.  This may slow down the growth rate in children and will need regular monitoring.  Ciclohale inhaler may also cause decreased bone mineral density if used for long periods. Glaucoma or increased intraocular pressure and cataracts have been reported after use of inhaled corticosteroids including Ciclohale. Immunosuppression has been reported after use of inhaled corticosteroids and may make you more susceptible to infections.

All inhaled asthma medications can cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which is when the inhaled medication taken to relieve bronchospasm actually makes it worse, causing wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.  If this happens you should inform your doctor and take their advice. It will usually mean that you need to use a short-acting bronchodilator to manage your bronchospasm.

The dose of Ciclohale inhaler you use (how many puffs or inhalations) and how often you need to use it depends on the severity of your asthma and your age and should be as recommended by your doctor.  You will usually inhale one or two puffs twice a day, morning, and evening.  Ciclohale inhaler does not work immediately but is intended as a long-term medication which may take 1-2 weeks to start to work and it may take several weeks before you feel maximum benefit.  You should continue to use your Ciclohale inhaler 160mcg for as long as recommended by your doctor and you should not stop using your Ciclohale inhaler, even if you feel better. 

How many inhalations you use from your Ciclohale inhaler and how often should be as recommended by your doctor.  You will usually inhale one or two puffs twice a day, morning, and evening.  Ciclohale inhaler is a metered dose inhaler, which delivers exactly one dose per actuation (inhalation).

You should continue to use your Ciclohale inhaler 160mcg for as long as recommended by your doctor and you should not stop taking your Ciclohale inhaler, even if you feel better. 

If you miss a dose of Ciclohale Inhaler 160mcg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

You should store your Ciclohale Inhaler 160mcg below 25°C in a cool dry place.  Protect your inhaler from frost, it will not work properly if it gets cold and keep away from direct sunlight.  Always replace the mouthpiece cover when you are not using your inhaler.