Indication: A corticosteroid used in prophylaxis of asthma especially if not fully controlled by bronchodilators or cromoglycate.

Cautions: pulmonary tuberculosis and viral infections in the airways; pregnancy.

Side Effects: mild irritation in the throat, coughing and hoarseness; candidal infections of the oropharynx; bronchoconstriction in hyperreactive patients.

Dose: adults, initially or in severe asthma, or when reducing or discontinuing oral corticosteroids, 1-2mg twice daily.

Child 3 months - 12 years, 0.5 - 1mg twice daily. Maintenance, usually half above doses.

Croup, 2mg as a single dose (or as two 1mg doses separated by 30 minutes).