Abstract

Inhaled corticosteroids have an essential role in the management of many patients with asthma,1 improving control and reducing the need for oral corticosteroids. Used in conventional dosage inhaled corticosteroids are very safe; in high dosage systemic effects are more evident. Fluticasone propionate (Flixotide - Allen & Hanburys), a new inhalation corticosteroid, is promoted as being more potent than conventional preparations (beclomethasone dipropionate and budesonide) and less likely to cause systemic effects. Is this claim justified and what is the place of fluticasone propionate in asthma prophylaxis?