The FDA has approved the marketing of the corticosteroid ciclesonide (Alvesco - Sepracor) in a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) metered-dose inhaler formulation for maintenance treatment of asthma in patients >12 years old. Ciclesonide is also available in the US as a nasal spray for allergic rhinitis (Omnaris), and has been available for asthma in Europe since 2003.

View the Comparison Chart: Correct Use of Inhalers for Asthma

View the Table: Correct Use of Inhalers for COPD

Ciclesonide (Omnaris - Sepracor/Nycomed), a once daily corticosteroid nasal spray, is now available for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in adults and children ≥6 years old and for perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) in those ≥12 years old. An orally inhaled formulation of ciclesonide (Alvesco) was recently approved by the FDA for maintenance treatment of asthma, and will be reviewed in a future issue of The Medical Letter

The FDA has approved Arnuity Ellipta (GSK), a single-agent inhaler containing the corticosteroid fluticasone furoate, for once-daily maintenance treatment of asthma in patients ≥12 years old. Fluticasone furoate is also available in combination with the long-acting beta₂-agonist vilanterol as Breo Ellipta for treatment of asthma and COPD.

View the Comparison Chart: Some Inhaled Drugs for Treatment of Asthma

View the Comparison Table: Inhaled Drugs for Treatment of COPD

The goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and maintain normal lung function. Management of acute exacerbations in the emergency department is not discussed here.