Generic Name: fluticasone
Brand Name: Flonase, Flonase Allergy Relief
Drug Class: Corticosteroids, Intranasal
What is fluticasone, and what is it used for?
Fluticasone is a man-made corticosteroid used for the management of nasal symptoms of seasonal or perennial, allergic and non-allergic rhinitis in adults and children of 4 years of age and older. Safe and effective use of fluticasone has not been established for children under the age of 4.
The exact mechanism of action of fluticasone is not known; however, it stimulates glucocorticoid receptors in humans that produces a potent anti-inflammatory response. Fluticasone also works on multiple cells and mediators that are responsible for the inflammatory symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, etc).
The FDA approved fluticasone in October 1994.
What are the side effects of fluticasone?
Side effects of fluticasone include:
- headache,
- sore throat,
- nosebleeds,
- nasal burning or nasal irritation,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- asthma symptoms, or
- cough.
Some children may experience growth suppression from use of inhaled steroids.
What is the dosage for fluticasone?
- Adults: The recommended dosing is 2 sprays per nostril daily. The maximum dose is 200 mcg/day (4 sprays). Maintenance therapy is 1 spray in each nostril daily.
- Adolescents and children 4 years of age and older: the recommended dosing is 1 spray per nostril daily (total dose 100 mcg.) Patients that do not respond adequately may increase to two sprays in each nostril once a day. The maximum dose is 200 mcg/day.
Which drugs interact with fluticasone?
Ritonavir (Norvir) and ketoconazole (Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric) increase fluticasone levels in the body by delaying its metabolism (elimination). It is not clear how important this effect is.
QUESTION
Allergies can best be described as: See AnswerPregnancy and breastfeeding
- There are no adequate studies of fluticasone to determine its safety and effectiveness in pregnant women.
- It is not known whether fluticasone enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about fluticasone?
- Fluticasone propionate nasal spray is available as a 16 gm bottle, providing a total of 120 sprays. Each spray contains 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate.
- Fluticasone propionate should be store between 4 C and 30 C (39 F and 86 F).
- Brand names for fluticasone propionate are Flonase and Flonase Allergy Relief.
- Flonase is available by prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).
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Summary
Fluticasone propionate nasal spray is a corticosteroid prescribed for the management of symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Side effects of fluticasone include headache, sore throat, nosebleeds, nasal burning or nasal irritation, nausea, vomiting, asthma symptoms, or cough. Consult with your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Medications & Supplements
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- cocaine
- Dymista (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate)
- ipratropium
- cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Zyrtec Hives)
- Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride)
- Side Effects of Flonase (fluticasone)
- What Are the Benefits of An Aerosol Treatment?
- loratadine and pseudoephedrine (Alavert Allergy & Sinus, Claritin-D, Claritin-D 24 hour)
- fluticasone propionate oral inhaler (Flovent)
- budesonide nasal inhaler (Rhinocort Allergy, Rhinocort Aqua)
- Advair Diskus, Advair HFA (fluticasone and salmeterol oral inhaler)
- Side Effects of Breo Ellipta (fluticasone and vilanterol)
- fluticasone furoate nasal spray (Veramyst)
- Nasal Allergy Medications
- Side Effects of Flovent (fluticasone propionate) oral inhaler
- fluticasone furoate and vilanterol inhalation powder (Breo Ellipta)
- beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler-spray
- Spiriva
- Zinc for Colds: Lozenges & Nasal Sprays
- Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate)
- Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- Cutivate (fluticasone propionate)
- flunisolide nasal spray, Aerospan (Nasalide, Aerobid, Aerobid HFA are discontinued)
- brompheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
- Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhaler) Side Effects, Warnings & Interactions
- ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone propionate inhalation powder)
- fluticasone propionate (Cutivate)
- fluticasone disk inhaler - oral, Flovent Rotadisk
- Does Immunotherapy Work for Allergies?
- ArmonAir RespiClick (fluticasone propionate)
- Side Effects of Veramyst (fluticasone)
- fluticasone hfa inhaler - oral
Prevention & Wellness
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.