Definition: Inactive treatment that will not improve the condition under study such as asthma. In an asthma study, you might receive a placebo inhaler or pill. In a randomized controlled trial, patients will often receive an active treatment or placebo to determine how useful a new treatment is.
This study is an example of a trial using a placebo.
Sources:
U.S. National Institutes of Health. Consumer Information. Accessed March 15, 2009. Understanding Clinical Trials
Ducharme FM, Lemire C, Noya FJ, Davis GM, Alos N, Leblond H, Savdie C, Collet JP, Khomenko L, Rivard G, Platt RW.Preemptive use of high-dose fluticasone for virus-induced wheezing in young children. N Engl J Med. 2009 Jan 22;360(4):339-53.Click here to read
Also Known As: Sugar pill
