Clenil Modulite is a steroid inhaler because it contains beclometasone, a type of corticosteroid. It is used every day to keep asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, under control and to prevent asthma attacks. A Clenil inhaler does this by keeping your immune system relaxed, which reduces inflammation in the airways and makes it easier to breathe.

Because Clenil Modulite is a preventer inhaler, you may have a separate blue reliever inhaler, such as Ventolin or salbutamol Evohaler.

The Clenil Modulite inhaler delivers beclometasone, a type of steroid, directly to the airways. Beclometasone copies the actions of steroid hormones that are naturally produced by the adrenal glands in the body to calm the immune system, reduce swelling in the lungs, and help make breathing easier if you have asthma.

Clenil Modulite is a preventer inhaler, which means it works to stop asthma symptoms from happening; it is not for use during an asthma attack. Instead, you will have a separate reliever inhaler that contains a bronchodilator to relax the smooth muscles in your airways, helping open them and make breathing easier.

How quickly does Clenil Modulite work?

Some people notice an improvement in their symptoms within the first week of treatment, but it can take several weeks to feel the full benefits of a Clenil Modulite inhaler. The inhaler must be used every day for it to be effective.

Clenil Modulite is a pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), which means it delivers a precise amount of medication to your lungs via a pressurised aerosol spray. It can be used as it is or with a volumatic spacer – you must use one of these if you are prescribed 1000 micrograms (mcg) or more.

How to use Clenil Modulite

If you have not used the inhaler yet, or you have not used it for at least 3 days, you must test it first. Do this by releasing 1 puff of medication into the air. A brand-new Clenil Modulite inhaler will contain 200 doses, and the dose indicator should read ‘200’.

Once you have tested your inhaler, it is ready for use. Simply:

1. Take off the mouthpiece cover and check that there is no debris inside or around the mouthpiece.
2. Holding the inhaler upright with your thumb on the base and your first finger on top of the metal canister.
3. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it, making sure you do not bite down onto it.
4. Slowly begin to breathe in through your mouth, then press down on the canister to release a puff of medication. Continue breathing in slowly and deeply.
5. Remove the inhaler from your mouth, but continue to hold your breath for a few seconds or as long as you comfortably can. Then, breathe out slowly.
6. If your doctor has told you that you need another puff, wait for 30 seconds and then repeat steps 2 to 5.
7. When you have finished, replace the mouthpiece cover.

When should I use my Clenil Modulite?

Your doctor will advise when you should use your Clenil inhaler, but it is usually needed twice a day. This means most people will take it in the morning and evening. Some research suggests that using Clenil Modulite between 3 and 4pm can improve overnight asthma outcomes.

How often should I use my Clenil Modulite?

A Clenil inhaler is a regular preventer inhaler that is used twice a day.

Looking after your Clenil Modulite inhaler properly is important to keep it working effectively. You should store it out of reach of children and below 30℃, making sure it is protected from frost and direct sunlight.

Your Clenil inhaler should be cleaned once per week. To do this, you should:

1. Remove the protective mouthpiece cover.
2. Use a clean cotton swab to clean the circular opening through which the medication sprays from the canister. Gently twist the swab in a circular motion to remove any medication that may have become stuck in or around it.
3. Replace the mouthpiece cover.

If you use a spacer with your inhaler, read the package leaflet that came with it to find out how to clean it.

Clenil Modulite is a prescription-only asthma medication, which may be available on the NHS and via a trusted online doctor service.

Can I buy a Clenil Modulite online?

Yes, you can buy Clenil Modulite online from Superdrug Online Doctor if you have been diagnosed with asthma and:

• it is well controlled
• have been prescribed Clenil Modulite by a GP
• are attending your annual asthma reviews

To order a repeat from us, you’ll need to:

• Fill in a brief questionnaire about your health and lifestyle.
• Order your preferred choice of treatment and make payment.
• One of our doctors will review your order and questionnaire answers.
• If your order is approved, your treatment will be posted directly to your address or made available for collection at a Superdrug Pharmacy.
• If your order is not right for you, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with other suitable options.

Can I buy Clenil Modulite over the counter?

No, Clenil Modulite is a prescription-only medication, which means you will need a doctor’s approval to get it.

Can I get Clenil Modulite on the NHS?

Yes, you can get Clenil Modulite on the NHS, but you will need to make an appointment with your doctor. If you have not yet been diagnosed with asthma, it is important to see your GP to discuss your symptoms and find the most suitable treatment for you.

Like all medications, Clenil Modulite can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them.

Very common side effects, affecting more than 1 in 10 people, are:

• thrush in the mouth and throat

Common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people, include:

• hoarse voice
• sore throat or tongue

Uncommon side effects, affecting up to 1 in 100 people, are:

• allergic reactions

Very rare side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10,000 people, are:

• swelling of the face, eyes, lips, and throat
• changes to the natural production of steroids in the body
• reduced bone mineral density
• eye problems (cataracts and glaucoma)

A full list of side effects can be found in the Clenil Modulite patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

How long do Clenil Modulite side effects last?

Most Clenil Modulite side effects are temporary and should go away as your body gets used to beclometasone. You can help prevent side effects like thrush and mouth irritation by rinsing your mouth after using your inhaler with water or mouthwash.

What to do if you get Clenil Modulite side effects

Most mild Clenil Modulite side effects can be managed by:

• staying hydrated and gargling with warm salt water if you have a sore throat
• speaking to a pharmacist about over-the-counter oral thrush treatments
• taking over-the-counter painkillers for a sore throat or tongue

If you get any of the following serious side effects, stop using the Clenil inhaler straight away, use your reliever inhaler, and contact your doctor:

• coughing
• wheezing
• shortness of breath

Clenil Modulite may not be suitable for everyone.

Do not use a Clenil inhaler if you are:

• allergic to beclometasone or any other ingredients listed in the medication
• currently having an asthma attack or a sudden onset of breathlessness

Before using a Clenil Modulite inhaler, tell your doctor if you:

• have or have ever been treated for tuberculosis (TB)
• need to avoid alcohol for any reason
• notice that your asthma is getting worse
• feel generally unwell if you have switched from steroid tablets to an inhaler
• are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby

Other medications and Clenil Modulite

Tell your doctor before using a Clenil Modulite inhaler if you are taking any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications. Some medications can increase the effects of beclometasone, such as some HIV medications.

There are several options available to prevent asthma symptoms. The Clenil Modulite inhaler is just one type. In the UK, current asthma guidelines state that anyone who has asthma must have inhaled steroids as part of their treatment plan. This means you may have separate preventer (brown) and reliever (blue) inhalers, or you may be prescribed a combination inhaler.

Alternative brown inhalers

At Superdrug Online Doctor, we also offer the following preventer inhalers as part of our asthma service:

• Pulmicort Turbohaler – a dry powder brown preventer inhaler that contains the corticosteroid budesonide, which works by reducing swelling and inflammation in the lungs and must be activated by taking a sharp breath in rather than using a propellant gas to deliver the medication
• Qvar – similar to Clenil Modulite, Qvar inhalers also contain beclometasone, but they are only available in 50 and 100mcg strengths, which are twice as potent as Clenil
• Seretide – available as an Accuhaler or an Evohaler, Seretide contains a corticosteroid and a bronchodilator, but because it does not contain formoterol, it cannot be used for AIR or MART therapy, so it is used as a preventer, and you’ll need a separate blue inhaler

Combination inhalers

Combination inhalers can be used in 2 different ways to manage asthma. If you are prescribed this type of inhaler, your doctor will explain how you should use it. Combination inhalers contain an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator, such as formoterol. Formoterol-containing inhalers can be used for:

Anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR) therapy

For this type of therapy, combination inhalers are used, just like a blue reliever inhaler, as and when needed. You may follow this treatment plan if your asthma symptoms occur occasionally, during certain times of the year, or when you are exposed to a specific trigger.

In the past, you may have only used a reliever inhaler as and when needed to relieve your symptoms, but without a steroid, you may have a higher chance of more severe symptoms and asthma attacks. So, an AIR inhaler is safer than using a blue inhaler on its own because it also contains a steroid to treat the underlying inflammation that is causing your symptoms.

Symbicort is a combination inhaler we offer for AIR therapy. It contains budesonide (steroid) and formoterol fumarate (bronchodilator).

Maintenance and reliever therapy (MART)

For a MART plan, a combination inhaler is used just like separate preventer and reliever inhalers. So, you’ll use it every day to prevent asthma symptoms because it contains an inhaled corticosteroid, but you can also use it as and when asthma symptoms happen.

A combination inhaler that can be used for MART and is available from Superdrug Online Doctor is Fostair.

At Superdrug Online Doctor, we can only provide a repeat for an inhaler that you have already been prescribed by your GP. We cannot switch you from one inhaler to another; you will need to make an appointment with your regular doctor to discuss your treatment plan if you think you may benefit from a different inhaler. It is important that you attend your regular asthma check-ups so your doctor can ensure you are receiving the most effective treatment for you.

What is the difference between Clenil and Qvar?

Clenil and Qvar both contain the same active ingredient, beclometasone, but they have different formulations, which can affect how strong (potent) they are. For example, Qvar has extra-fine particles and is around twice as potent as Clenil. Qvar is also available in different inhaler types.

What is the difference between Clenil Modulite 100 and 200?

The main difference between Clenil Modulite 100 and 200 is the strength of the active ingredient. Clenil Modulite 100 delivers 100mcg of beclometasone dipropionate per puff, while Clenil Modulite delivers 200mcg per puff.

Will a Clenil Moulite inhaler help treat an asthma attack?

No, Clenil Modulite will not treat a sudden onset of asthma symptoms or an asthma attack. It is a preventer inhaler that contains a steroid and needs to be used every day for long-term management of asthma symptoms. It helps to lower inflammation in the lungs to prevent asthma symptoms. If you have an asthma attack, you will need to use a separate reliever inhaler that contains a fast-acting bronchodilator.

Is Clenil Modulite for severe asthma?

Yes, a Clenil Modulite inhaler is used as a preventer inhaler to manage mild, moderate, and severe asthma.

Can Clenil Modulite make you gain weight?

It is unlikely that Clenil Modulite will make you gain weight because only a small amount of steroid medication will enter the bloodstream, which is considered too low to make you gain weight. Weight gain is more commonly linked to corticosteroid tablets, liquids, or injections because they can increase fluid retention and make you feel more hungry. If you are worried about weight gain while using a Clenil inhaler, speak to your doctor.