Combinations and compositions for use in enhancing the activity and/or duration of action of loteprednol etabonate and other soft anti-inflammatory steroids of the haloalkyl 17.alpha.-alkoxycarbonyloxy-11.beta.-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17.beta.-carboxylate type and the corresponding .DELTA.1,4-compounds are described. The enhancing agents have the formula:(II) wherein Z1 is carbonyl, .beta.-hydroxymethylene or methylene； R2 is H, -OH or -OCOR3 wherein R3 is C1-C5 alkyl； Y is -OH, -SH or -OCOR4 wherein R4 is C1-C5 alkyl, cyclopentylethyl or diethylaminoethyl； and the dotted line in ring A indicates that the 1,2-linkage is saturated or unsaturated. Also use of the combinations and compositions in treating topical or other localized inflammation.
