Corticosteroids, Inhaled

Overview :

As of 2005, there are five corticosteroids designed for inhalation:

• beclomethasone dipropionate (Qvar)
• budesonide (Pulmicort)
• flunisolide (AeroBID)
• fluticasone propionate (Flovent)
• triamcinolone acetonide (Azmacort)

Although the different products vary in potency and duration of action, once dose size and frequency have been adjusted to offer comparable results, there do not appear to be significant differences between the drugs. The design of the inhalers, their ease of use, and the training each patient receives in the proper use of the inhaler may be of greater significance than the drug itself.