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
- First Line Drugs
- Second Line Drugs
- Specialist Initiated or Recommended Drugs
- Specialist Initiated Drugs with Shared Care Guidelines
- Specialist Only Drugs
- Mixed Status