OBJECTIVES Despite the recommendations from national guidelines, under-use of controller drugs (corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs) still persists among asthma patients. In this study we examined whether demographic disparities exist in utilizing controller drugs. METHODS The data came from four states (California, Illinois, Texas and Alabama) sample of 2004 National Asthma Survey. Study population included asthma patients that reported occurrence of at least one asthma attack in a 12 months period and were able to produce their drugs at the time of interview. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between predictor variables and odds of using controller drugs. RESULTS A total of 1824 asthma patients that reported at least one asthma attack in a 12 months period had their drugs available at the time of interview. African Americans (OR= 0.829; 95% CI: 0.820, 0.838), Hispanics (OR= 0.826; 95% CI: 0.817 0.834) and Children (age 0-17) (OR= 0.575; 95% CI: 0.570 0.580), were less likely to utilize asthma controller drugs. When interaction effects between age and race were introduced, African American children had significantly less likelihood (OR= 0.499; 95% CI: 0.489 0.508) of using controller drugs. On the other hand, even though the Hispanic population was less likely to utilize controller drugs, Hispanic children were slightly more likely to utilize them. (OR= 1.078; 95% CI: 1.061 1.096) CONCLUSIONS Although the underuse of controller drugs persists among overall asthma population, demographic disparities exist. Our results support attempts to increase access to controller drugs among African Americans, Children and Hispanic asthma population.