[Effects of reducing or stopping inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate on airway hyperresponsiveness in stable chronic...

Effects of reducing or stopping inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were evaluated in stable chronic asthma. In 16 patients, after the best control (no symptoms, peak expiratory flow rate [PEF] > 80% best) was achieved for at least 3 months, the dose of BDP was reduced to 2/3 to 1/2. No differences were observed in the mean FEV1, PEF and AHR between before and 3 months after the reduction of BDP. In 7 patients, after the almost normal level of AHR was achieved, the dose of BDP was gradually reduced and then discontinued. Three out of the 7 patients had maintained the adequate level of AHR over 14 months, but in the other 4 patients AHR deteriorated below normal level and re-administration of BDP was needed due to worsening of symptoms and PEF. In conclusion, a gradual reduction of the dose of BDP is possible, if the best control is achieved for at least 3 months. The possibility of discontinuation of BDP may exist in some patients after achieving adequate AHR.