Comparison of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate 1000 micrograms twice daily and oral prednisone 10 mg once daily in asthmatic patients.

Background: Glucocorticosteroids are widely used as drugs of first choice in the treatment of moderate to severe asthma. The effects of inhaled steroids in high doses have been compared with oral prednisone in asthmatic patients in a double blind crossover study.

Methods: The trial consisted of a two week run in period followed by two four week treatment periods separated by a four week washout.