Interaction between corticosteroids and beta-agonists in asthma.
It is often assumed that there is synergy between corticosteroids and beta-agonists, the two drugs most commonly used to treat asthma. A review of clinical studies of the effect of corticosteroids on the response to a beta-agonist finds no evidence to support this assumption except in subjects taking high doses of beta-agonists and with diminished responsiveness to a beta-agonist. There is some evidence that regular beta-agonist therapy may cause a temporary reduction in the efficacy of corticosteroids in asthma, an effect that is seen when the response to the beta-agonist has worn off. Further studies of this effect are required in view of the very widespread concomitant use of the two drugs.
Wilding
P J
PJ
Division of Respiratory Medicine, City Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
Tattersfield
A E
AE
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists