Short-term double-blind evaluation of flunisolide aerosol for steroid-dependent asthmatic children and adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of flunisolide aerosol prescribed as .5 mg (two inhalations) twice daily and placebo in terms of oral steroid sparing ability in a population of 32 known steroid-dependent children and adolescents. Patients were stabilized on the lowest tolerated dose of daily AM or alternate AM oral corticosteroid for at least one month before entering the study. They were randomly assigned to either flunisolide or placebo treatment for the 12-week, double-blind trial. Patients were seen every two weeks for symptom assessment, physical examination, and pulmonary function testing. Tests of adrenal function were done initially and at the study's conclusion. The flunisolide group had improved asthma control compared with the placebo group. The daily oral steroid requirement decreased in 100 percent of the flunisolide group compared with 53 percent of the placebo group (P less than .01). Pulmonary function and endocrine function remained stable for both groups. There were no adverse effects. Flunisolide aerosol in doses of .5 mg twice daily appears to be topically active and to have oral steroid potential without apparent adverse effects.