THERAPEUTIC INDEX OF INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS IN ASTHMA: A DOSE–RESPONSE COMPARISON ON AIRWAY HYPERRESPONSIVENESS AND ADRENAL AXIS SUPRESSION

Abstract

To compare the airway potency, systemic activity and therapeutic index of three inhaled corticosteroids that differ in glucocorticoid receptor binding affinity, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. This study provides evidence that fluticasone furoate can provide more protection against airway hyperresponsiveness, with less systemic activity, than fluticasone propionate or budesonide. This suggests that all inhaled corticosteroids are not therapeutically similar and may differ in their therapeutic index.