Inhaled corticosteroids for asthma therapy - Patient compliance, devices, and inhalation technique

Background: Patient compliance, inhalation devices, and inhalation techniqu es influence the effectiveness of inhaled medications. Methods: This article presents the results of a systematic literature revie w of studies measuring compliance with inhaled corticosteroids, measuring i nhalation technique with different inhalation devices, and estimating the p roportion of inhaled drug that is deposited in the lung. Results: Overall, patients took the recommended doses of inhaled medication on 20 to 73% of days. Frequency of efficient inhalation technique ranged f rom 46 to 59% of patients. Education programs have been shown to improve co mpliance and inhalation techniques. The lung deposition achieved with diffe rent inhalers depends on particle size as well as inhaler technique. Conclusion: This review demonstrates that multiple factors may come between a prescription of an inhaled corticosteroid and the arrival of that medici ne at its target organ, the lung.