Evaluation of a new aerosolized steroid for asthma therapy: beclomethasone dipropionate (Vanceril inhaler).

Beclomethasone dipropionate, an esterified derivative of betamethasone, can be given in small doses in aerosol form to patients with severe asthma whose symptoms cannot be controlled with nonsteroidal agents (bronchodilators and cromolyn). Many asthmatic patients who previously required systemic steroids can be transferred to this safer anti-inflammatory agent. In usual doses, beclomethasone produces few, if any, systemic side effects. The only susbstantial reaction is Candida infections of the oropharynx and larynx.