[Treatment of asthma in the adult using a combination of salbutamol 100 micrograms--beclomethasone 50 micrograms. Results of a study on 1917 patients seen in general medicine].

Efficacy and safety of salbutamol--beclomethasone combination were studied in a multicentre trial in general practice which included 1917 asthmatic patients. During a 7 day run-in period, the number of dyspnea episodes, the morning and evening PEFR values were recorded daily. Patients were then treated with 2 puffs of salbutamol--beclomethasone combination t.i.d. or q.i.d. Results showed a significant improvement of the daily number dyspnea episodes (from 2.7 to 1.4) and of the daily number of salbutamol puffs used as rescue medication (from 5,1 to 2,5) (p less than 0.001). Morning and evening PEFR were increased by 50 litres min-1 (p less than 0.001). Symptoms were significantly improved, particularly nocturnal dyspnea (p less than 0.001). Minor and usual adverse events were noted in only 2,7% of the population. Salbutamol--beclomethasone allows a good control of asthma, particularly a good nocturnal cover. This efficacy with a good safety profile makes salbutamol--beclomethasone combination a well-adapted maintenance treatment of asthma.