Inhaled corticosteroid dose categorisation chart

Based on BTS/SIGN asthma guidelines 2016 and product information. Doses are total daily doses.

NICE asthma guideline 2017 uses ‘low’, ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ dose for adults and children, which differ slightly.

See BTS/SIGN asthma guidelines for more detailed information for individual products.

For a printable version of this table please see attached.

	Approx relative potency to beclometasone	Very Low Dose (children only) – total daily dose	Low Dose – total daily dose	Medium Dose – total daily dose	High Dose (adults only) – total daily dose*	Formulary inhalers
Beclometasone dipropionate	1	200mcg	400mcg	800mcg	More than 800mcg	Clenil Modulite
Beclometasone dipropionate extra-fine (QVAR / Fostair)	2	100mcg	200mcg	400mcg	800mcg	QVAR MDI Fostair MDI Fostair NEXThaler
Budesonide	1	200mcg	400mcg	800mcg	More than 800mcg	Pulmicort Turbohaler Symbicort Turbohaler
Fluticasone dipropionate	2	100mcg	200mcg	500mcg	More than 500mcg	Flutiform MDI Fluticasone MDI Flixotide Accuhaler
Fluticasone furoate (Relvar)	10	N/A	N/A	92mcg	184mcg	Relvar Ellipta
Ciclesonide	2	N/A	160	320	N/A	Alvesco MDI
Mometasone	1	200mcg	400mcg	800mcg	Not licensed	Not on formulary

Combination products and beclometasone products should be prescribed by brand to ensure consistency of device and dosage

*Patients using high dose inhaled corticosteroids should be issued with an inhaled corticosteroid safety card