Product Name: Beclomethasone Propionate
Chemical Formula: C28H37ClO7
SYNONYMS: Beclometasone 17,21-dipropionate; 9-chloro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17,21-dipropionate
CAS Number: 5534-09-8
Intended Uses: Used mostly as an inhaled corticosteroid for asthma and allergies, found in prescription aerosols and nasal sprays
Manufacturer Information: Contact information for pharmaceutical provider required; check packaging for phone and emergency support lines
Classification: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. May cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation.
Physical Hazards: Fine white powder, dust may become airborne and irritate mucous membranes.
Health Hazards: Prolonged or repeated exposure can affect adrenal function in laboratory animals. High dosages linked to immunosuppression.
Signal Word: Warning
Label Statement: Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and contact with skin and eyes.
Symbol(s): Exclamation mark (for irritant hazard), Health Hazard pictogram.
Chemical Name: Beclomethasone Propionate
Concentration: Typically 98–100% in bulk product.
Impurities: Unlikely to be present at levels significant enough to affect safety based on typical pharmaceutical standards.
Other Constituents: Formulations may contain lactose or other excipients—verify actual product label.
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Get medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting. Seek prompt medical attention.
Important Symptoms: Irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure can result in effects related to corticosteroid use, such as mood changes or immune suppression.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or CO2. Water may be used for cooling containers.
Unsuitable Media: Do not use water jets directly on burning material as dispersion may occur.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Emits toxic fumes like hydrogen chloride and carbon oxides in fire.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.
Fire and Explosion Hazards: Dust can form explosive mixtures in air; manage dust generation and avoid open flame.
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask or respirator. Avoid creating or inhaling dust.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into sewers, watercourses, or environment.
Methods for Cleanup: Collect spill with a HEPA vacuum or damp cloth to minimize dust. Avoid dry sweeping.
Decontamination: Wash area with water and detergent after cleanup is complete.
Disposal: Place collected material in closed containers for transfer to licensed disposal site.
Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated area using proper protective equipment. Minimize dust generation.
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in areas where product is handled. Wash hands after use.
Storage Conditions: Store in original container tightly closed, away from light and moisture. Keep between 15°C and 25°C.
Incompatibilities: Store away from strong oxidizers, acids, and bases.
Packaging Materials: Use containers constructed of compatible materials; glass or high-quality plastic recommended.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep concentrations below exposure limits.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved masks or respirators for dust. Respirator selection depends on airborne concentration.
Skin Protection: Use disposable nitrile gloves or equivalent.
Eye/Face Protection: Wear chemical splash goggles.
Other Protection: Laboratory coats, closed-toe shoes, and work practices that limit exposure recommended.
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established for beclomethasone propionate, but controls must limit dust to lowest practical levels.
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not determined
Melting Point: 218–224°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable – decomposes before boiling
Solubility in Water: Practically insoluble
Solubility in Other Solvents: Soluble in chloroform and methanol.
pH: No data (insoluble in water)
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 3.1–3.5
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Density: 1.2–1.3 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Generally stable under recommended storage conditions.
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known under conditions of normal use.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers could cause degradation.
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, moisture, exposure to light.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizers.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide may form in fire or on thermal decomposition.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, eye contact.
Acute Effects: Irritation to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Higher doses in laboratory animals linked to weight loss, mood changes, and immune suppression. No data on intentional overdose in humans beyond prescribed use.
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may mimic effects seen with corticosteroid drugs: risk of hypercorticism, muscle wasting, adrenal suppression.
Sensitization: Rare reports of allergic or hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. rash, asthma-like symptoms).
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity: No evidence of mutagenic or carcinogenic effects in published animal or human data.
Reproductive Toxicity: No clear human data; high doses in studies linked with possible developmental effects. Consult health professionals for use in pregnancy.
Ecotoxicity: Limited data shows that corticosteroids can affect aquatic organisms if released in large quantities.
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades slowly in environment owing to steroid structure; bioaccumulation potential is considered moderate.
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility due to poor water solubility; tends to bind to organic matter.
Bioaccumulation: Not enough robust data, but potential exists because of fat solubility.
Other Adverse Effects: Discharge of pharmaceutical products to environment should be avoided to prevent ecosystem disruption.
Disposal Methods: Collect and dispose of waste in accordance with local, state, and national regulations for pharmaceutical products.
Waste Treatment: Incineration recommended under controlled conditions to prevent environmental release.
Contaminated Packaging: Containers should be triple-rinsed, rendered unusable, and disposed of as pharmaceutical waste. Never reuse containers.
Precautions: Prevent exposure to personnel and environment when discarding unused medicine and spills.
UN Number: Not regulated for transport under ADR/RID, IMDG, or IATA.
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods.
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned.
Packing Group: Not applicable.
Special Precautions: Ensure container is sealed, dry, and secure during transport. Do not allow product to reach drains or waterways during accidental spillage.
Environmental Hazards: Not considered environmentally hazardous in transport settings.
Labeling: Pharmaceutical prescriptions must carry warnings and allergen information per FDA or local authorities.
OSHA Hazard Communication: Not classified as hazardous under US OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, though pharmaceutical workplaces should maintain controls.
Inventory Listings: Present in US TSCA, EINECS, and other standard chemical registers as permitted pharmaceutical.
REACH Status: Not subject to registration due to exclusive pharmaceutical application.
National and Local Regulation: Comply with specific legislation related to health, safety, and disposal in your jurisdiction. Consult packaging and regulatory compliance staff for current rules.
Worker Protection: Employers should follow NIOSH, OSHA, or equivalent safety practices to prevent unnecessary exposure.