The efficacy and safety of QVAR (hydrofluoroalkane-beclometasone diproprionate extrafine aerosol) in asthma (Part 2): Clinical experience in children.

QVAR [hydrofluoroalkane-134a beclometasone dipropionate (BDP)] produces equivalent asthma control to chlorofluorocarbon-based BDP inhalers, at approximately half the daily dose in adults, a probable consequence of the increased lung deposition of QVAR that results from its greater fine particle fraction. Recent studies have relied on the clinical experience with QVAR in adults as a basis for investigations in childhood asthma. Design considerations, such as the use of the breath-actuated Autohaler delivery device and measurement of direct health benefits, account for problems of variation in inspiratory flow, handling difficulties and low airways resistance that are associated with children. QVAR appears to be well tolerated in children with no clinically relevant adverse effects on adrenal function, bone metabolism or growth at recommended doses.