EASYHALER POWDER INHALER - A NEW ALTERNATIVE IN THE ANTIINFLAMMATORY TREATMENT OF ASTHMA

The objective of this preliminary study was to compare the efficacy, s afety and tolerability of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) administer ed either via a pressurized metered dose inhaler (MDI) + spacer combin ation or via Diskhaler(R) and Easyhaler(R) multiple dose powder inhale rs. Twenty asthmatic patients took part in an open, randomized, three- stage crossover trial. The daily dose of beclomethasone was 800 mug. T o evaluate efficacy, the morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF ) measurements were carried out daily at home during the three treatme nt periods each of four weeks. In addition, the spirometric indices [f orced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (F VC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF)] were measured at the end of each t reatment period. Furthermore, consumption of inhaled sympathomimetics, airways hyperreactivity assessed by metacholine challenge, oropharyng eal candidiasis, serum cortisol levels, asthma symptoms and patients' subjective assessments were determined. No statistically significant d ifferences between groups were found in PEF values during treatment or in the spirometric indices (FEV1, FVC and PEF) after each treatment p eriod. In addition, no significant differences were observed in other clinical variables. Thus the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the beclomethasone Easyhaler(R) multiple dose powder inhaler were similar to those of the current beclomethasone (MDI) + spacer and powder treat ments. However, with regard to preference for the devices, the Easyhal er(R) powder inhaler was scored highest in handiness. This is of speci al importance in the inhalation therapy of asthma with corticosteroids , in which patient compliance and acceptance of the device is a corner stone of successful therapy.