Efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids administered once daily for asthma

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most effective medications for the long term control of asthma. When first used in asthma management, these drugs were scheduled 3- or 4-times daily, but by the late 1980s, it became clear that most patients respond excellently to twice-daily dosing. Numerous recent double-blind, randomized trials have demonstrated the efficacy of once-daily ICS in the management of pediatric and adult asthma. Once-daily dose ICS is most appropriate for patients' mild persistent asthma, and will be effective for many patients with moderate persistent asthma. Some studies suggest late afternoon/early evening dosing is preferable to single daily dosing in the morning.