Asthma & allergy
Preventer inhaler (once-daily use)
Inhaled corticosteroids
Also known as: Budesonide, beclometasone, ciclesonide
Best time
Mid-afternoon (once-daily regimens)
- 14:00–17:00
When a once-daily steroid inhaler is used, afternoon dosing has outperformed morning dosing in trials.
Moderate evidence
Supported by studies and drug pharmacology, but guidance varies between sources.
Why this time works
Afternoon dosing places the anti-inflammatory effect ahead of the overnight inflammation surge without suppressing the body's morning cortisol. Studies found 15:00 once-daily dosing as effective as several doses spread through the day. Twice-daily inhalers should be used as prescribed.
Body rhythm involved
Airway inflammation builds through the night; natural cortisol peaks on waking.