Abstract

Adult asthmatics taking not more than 10 mg of prednisone a day with regular supervision seem rarely to suffer serious unwanted effects.¹ Hydrocortisone, prednisone and dexamethasone have been given by aerosol to achieve a local effect but their systemic activity² and uncertain local effects have limited their use in asthma. Hitherto, corticosteroid aerosols have not achieved selective local activity and are readily absorbed. Beclomethasone dipropionate (Becotide - A & H) and betamethasone valerate (Bextasol - Glaxo) have recently been introduced in aerosol form because of their proven topical effectiveness in some skin diseases without unwanted systemic effects.³ Both are potent vasoconstrictors when applied to normal skin. A local action confined to the bronchial mucosa without harmful local or systemic effects would be valuable in asthma.