Trends in the use of inhaled corticosteroids for childhood asthma in New Zealand.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the dispensed volumes and prescribed doses for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for children in New Zealand.


METHODS
Longitudinal analysis of prescribing trends using the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners Research Unit database and the Pharm Warehouse database of the New Zealand Health Information System.


METHODS
New Zealand from 1993 to 2001.


METHODS
Children aged 0-5 years and 6-17 years.


METHODS
The ratio of potency-adjusted mean daily dose of fluticasone propionate (FP) to beclomethasone (BDP) and dispensed volumes of FP, BDP and budesonide.


RESULTS
The ratio of potency-adjusted mean daily dose of FP to BDP prescribed to children aged 0-17 years ranged from 1.22 to 1.91. With the introduction of FP, the total amount of ICS dispensed to children aged 0-5 years in New Zealand nearly doubled, when adjusted for potency.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of FP into New Zealand corresponds with an increase in the total amount of ICS dispensed and an increase in the adjusted daily dose prescribed.
Johansson
Maria
M
University of Uppsala, Sweden.
Hall
Jason
J
Reith
David
D
Jackson
Pam
P
Tilyard
Murray
M
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019819:Budesonide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D000068298:Fluticasone; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009520:New Zealand; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000730:Androstadienes; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019819:Budesonide; D000068298:Fluticasone; D001507:Beclomethasone