FOCUS ON FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE - AN INHALED CORTICOSTEROID FOR USE IN THE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT OF ASTHMA

Fluticasone propionate is a potent steroid inhaler approved by the FDA earlier this year. The drug Is administered every 12 hours and has be en shown to effectively reduce the symptoms of asthma and decrease the need for bronchodilators and oral steroids in both adults and childre n. It has been compared with beclomethasone dipropionate and. appears to be at least as efficacious in moderating the underlying disease pro cess of asthma. Common adverse effects include hoarseness, candidal th rush, and upper respiratory tract infections. Hypothalamic-pituitary-a drenal axis suppression is minimal at recommended doses of the drug. F luticasone propionate may be associated with less growth suppression i n children than beclomethasone dipropionate. In conclusion, fluticason e propionate is a safe and effective therapy for asthma in both childr en and adults.