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.
Division of Respiratory Medicine, City Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
P J
PJ
Wilding
A E
AE
Tattersfield
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