title: Comparable efficacy of ciclesonide once daily versus fluticasone propionate twice daily in asthma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Inhaled corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy in asthma, but local and systemic side effects and adherence remain a concern. Ciclesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid with on-site lung activation that provides potent anti-inflammatory activity and has been shown to have a good safety profile, even at high doses.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of once-daily ciclesonide versus twice-daily fluticasone propionate at comparable daily doses in patients with asthma.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group study, 529 patients were randomized to ciclesonide 160 microg once daily or fluticasone propionate 88 microg twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in lung function.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both ciclesonide and fluticasone propionate significantly improved forced expiratory volume in 1s, forced vital capacity, and morning peak expiratory flow compared with baseline (p<0.0001 for all variables). Both medications reduced asthma symptoms and rescue medication use within the first 24 h. At the tested dose, both medications were equally safe and well tolerated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ciclesonide 160 microg once daily was as effective as fluticasone propionate 88 microg twice daily in improving lung function and asthma symptoms, and in reducing rescue medication use in patients with asthma.
authors.affiliation: Universitätsklinikum Mainz, Mainz, Germany. r.buhl@3-med.klinik.uni-mainz.de
authors.forename: Roland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Buhl
authors.forename: Ilona
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vinkler
authors.forename: Pál
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Magyar
authors.forename: Zsuzsa
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Györi
authors.forename: Cezary
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rybacki
authors.forename: Michelle Vivienne
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Middle
authors.forename: Armella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Escher
authors.forename: Renate
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Engelstätter
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D000068298:Fluticasone; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011282:Pregnenediones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D014797:Vital Capacity
chemical_list: D000730:Androstadienes; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D011282:Pregnenediones; D000068298:Fluticasone; C120481:ciclesonide