An inhaled corticosteroid
Ciclesonide
A preventer inhaler that calms airway inflammation in asthma when used regularly.
What is Ciclesonide?
Ciclesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used as a regular preventer inhaler in asthma. Used every day, it reduces inflammation and swelling in the airways, making attacks less likely. It is not a reliever, so it does not ease sudden breathlessness and must be taken regularly to work.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Ciclesonide — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Ciclesonide, sold as Alvesco, is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used as a preventer inhaler in asthma. It is taken regularly to keep the airways calm rather than to treat sudden symptoms.
How it works
It delivers a steroid directly to the airways, where it reduces the underlying inflammation and swelling that drive asthma. Ciclesonide is given as an inactive form that is converted to its active form in the lungs. Over days to weeks of regular use, calmer airways are less twitchy and less likely to flare.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Covis Pharma.
What it treats
Conditions Ciclesonide is used for
Practical use
How to take Ciclesonide
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Use it regularly every day, even when you feel well.
- Take it at about the same times each day.
- Rinse your mouth and spit out after using it to help prevent thrush and hoarseness.
- Use the correct inhaler technique, with a spacer if advised.
- Do not use it for sudden breathlessness; use your reliever inhaler for that.
- Do not stop it suddenly without speaking to your team first.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Ciclesonide
Advantages
- Reduces airway inflammation and helps prevent asthma attacks.
- Regular use improves day-to-day asthma control.
- Inhaled delivery targets the lungs with limited absorption into the body.
Disadvantages
- It is a preventer, not a reliever, so it does not help a sudden attack.
- It only works if taken regularly, every day.
- It can cause oral thrush or a hoarse voice if the mouth is not rinsed.
Practical use
Good to know
It is a preventer that only works if used every day, even when you feel well, and it does not relieve a sudden attack, which still needs a reliever (rescue) inhaler. Rinsing your mouth after using it helps prevent oral thrush and a hoarse voice. Do not stop it suddenly without advice, as control can slip.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had an allergic reaction to ciclesonide.
- It is used with care during active chest infections, with medical advice.
- It is not a reliever for an acute asthma attack.
- Tell your team if you are pregnant or breastfeeding so treatment can be reviewed.
Monitoring
- Asthma control and symptoms are reviewed at regular checks.
- Inhaler technique and mouth-rinsing are checked.
- Be alert for signs of oral thrush.
Side effects
- Oral thrush (a white, sore mouth or tongue).
- Hoarse voice or sore throat.
- Cough or throat irritation just after inhaling.
- Rarely, with long-term high use, wider steroid effects, which your team monitors.
Key interactions
- Some antifungal and HIV medicines can raise steroid levels in the body.
- Tell your team about all your medicines so combinations can be checked.
- It is often used alongside reliever and other preventer inhalers as part of a plan.
Available as: Available as an inhaler device for breathing in, and may be used with a spacer.
Answers
Ciclesonide: frequently asked questions
Is ciclesonide a reliever inhaler?
No. It is a preventer inhaler that calms airway inflammation when used regularly. For sudden breathlessness you still need your separate reliever inhaler.
Do I need to use it every day?
Yes. It only works if taken regularly, every day, even when you feel well. Stopping it can let your asthma control slip.
Why should I rinse my mouth after using it?
Rinsing your mouth and spitting out helps wash away any steroid left in the mouth, reducing the risk of oral thrush and a hoarse voice.
Can I stop it once I feel better?
Do not stop it suddenly on your own. Because it controls inflammation in the background, stopping it can let asthma return; speak to your team first.
Will it work straight away?
No. As a preventer it builds up its effect over days to weeks of regular use, rather than working immediately like a reliever.
The wider class
About Inhaled corticosteroids
Ciclesonide belongs to the inhaled corticosteroids class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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