Abstract |
The value of betamethasone valerate by inhalation in the prophylactic therapy of severe childhood asthma has been established. To determine whether the efficacy of this drug is due to a local or a systemic action a double-blind crossover study of 28 days' treatment with oral betamethasone valerate and 28 days' treatment with inhaled steroid was carried out in 10 asthmatic children. Daily doses used were 1 mg orally and 800 mug by inhalation. Nine patients had fewer symptoms, higher peak expiratory flow rates, and a lower bronchodilator requirement on inhaled than on oral therapy. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction was diminished on inhaled therapy. Five children requested early termination of the oral therapy period because of unacceptable symptoms. Nine parents stated a preference for the period of inhaled therapy. It is concluded that betamethasone valerate is highly effective by inhalation but that a comparable oral dose has no appreciable clinical effect.
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Authors | J Frears, J Maizels, M FriedMan |
Journal | The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
(J Allergy Clin Immunol)
Vol. 57
Issue 5
Pg. 391-5
(May 1976)
ISSN: 0091-6749 [Print] United States |
PMID | 770551
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
- Betamethasone
- Betamethasone Valerate
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Topics |
- Administration, Intranasal
- Administration, Oral
- Asthma
(diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Betamethasone
(analogs & derivatives)
- Betamethasone Valerate
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Child
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
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