Therapeutic advantages of twice-daily over four-times daily inhalation budesonide in the treatment of chronic asthma.

Topical steroid therapy is now widely used in the treatment of chronic asthma, but few controlled studies have been conducted to evaluate the most efficient dosage regimen. The present study was designed to assess, in a double-blind fashion, the relative efficacy of a new topical steroid, budesonide (Pulmicort) in controlling pulmonary function and asthma symptoms during twice-and 4-times daily dosing. Both active and placebo drug were administered via the tube spacer inhaler. Objective lung function measurements indicate that twice-daily dosing is at least as effective as 4-times daily dosing, and it is suggested that the twice-daily dosage regimen may lead to better patient compliance.