ciclesonide is a once daily, inhaled corticosteroid delivered via a hydrofluoroalkane (non-CFC) metered-dose inhaler, licensed for the prophylactic treatment of persistent asthma in adults
is converted to the active metabolite in the lungs and has low systemic bioavailability, therefore it has a lower potential for systemic adverse effects
in short term studies ciclesonide caused less suppression of cortisol release compared with budesonide or fluticasone, but there is no evidence that this translates into fewer long-term (>52 weeks) adverse effects
evidence indicates that it is of equivalent efficacy to existing inhaled steroids (budesonide and fluticasone) in the management of mild-to-moderate asthma, but long-term data on clinical outcomes such as exacerbations, hospitalisations and quality of life are unavailable
promoted for its relative lack of local adverse effects, and convenience to the patient (once-daily administration). It may help patients who do not comply with regular inhaled corticosteroid therapy
not licensed to use in children under the age of 12 years (2)
Reference:
(1) UK Medicines Information Service (June 2005);05/08: 1-5.
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