Efficacy of beclomethasone dipropionate HFA 200 μg once daily in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma

The efficacy and safety of once-daily beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP; 200 mu g), in combination with the propellant hydrofluoroalkane-134a (HFA) was compared with that of budesonide turbuhaler (BUD-TH) 400 mu g twice daily and fluticasone propionate inhaler (FP-IH) 250 mu g twice daily in 40 patients with bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All patients had used inhaled corticosteroids for at least 1 month. On randomization, 20 patients were switched to HFA-BDP and 20 patients remained on their existing BUD-TH or FP-IH treatment. After 8 weeks, HFA-BDP demonstrated a greater improvement in spirometric values, respiratory symptoms and beta(2)-agonist use. No significant local adverse effects were observed. Blood cortisol levels remained in the normal range in both groups. We conclude that HFA-BDP (200 mu g once-daily) offered more benefit in terms of clinical and spirometry indices than BUD-TH (400 mu g twice daily) or FP-IH (250 mu g twice daily) in patients with moderate asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.