Which inhaled steroid is considered the most potent?

The most potent inhaled steroid among the options is fluticasone. This medication is known for its high anti-inflammatory potency and is frequently used in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fluticasone acts at the glucocorticoid receptor level, leading to significant reductions in airway inflammation and hyperreactivity.

While budesonide, beclomethasone, and triamcinolone are effective inhaled steroids, they generally have lower potency compared to fluticasone. For example, budesonide is often chosen for its safety profile and efficacy in children, while beclomethasone and triamcinolone are considered effective but do not match the level of potency provided by fluticasone.

In clinical practice, the choice of inhaled corticosteroid may also depend on individual patient response and tolerability, but when evaluating the comparative potency of these medications, fluticasone is widely recognized for its strength in the therapeutic category.