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.
SLIDESHOW
Common Allergies: Symptoms and Signs See SlideshowPregnancy 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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How Long Does an Allergic Reaction Last?
Allergic reactions may last for varying lengths of time. They may take a few hours to a few days to disappear. If the exposure to the allergen continues, such as during a spring pollen season, allergic reactions may last for longer periods such as a few weeks to months.
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Cough: 19 Tips on How to Stop a Cough
Coughing is a reflex that helps a person clear their airways of irritants. There are many causes of an excessive or severe cough including irritants like cigarette and secondhand smoke, pollution, air fresheners, medications like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, the common cold, GERD, lung cancer, and heart disease.Natural and home remedies to help cure and soothe a cough include staying hydrated, gargle salt water, use cough drops or lozenges, use herbs and supplements like ginger, mint, licorice, and slippery elm, and don't smoke. Over-the-counter products (OTC)to cure and soothe a cough include cough suppressants and expectorants, and anti-reflux drugs. Prescription drugs that help cure a cough include narcotic medications, antibiotics, inhaled steroids, and anti-reflux drugs like proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, for example, omeprazole (Prilosec), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and pantoprazole (Protonix).
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Chronic Rhinitis
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Sinusitis
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Allergy
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
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Mucus
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Cold, Flu, Allergy Treatments
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Sinus Infection vs. Allergies
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Allergy Treatment Begins at Home
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Is Allergic Conjunctivitis the Same as Conjunctivitis?
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Drug Allergy
Drug or medication allergies are caused when the immune system mistakenly creates an immune response to a medication. Symptoms of a drug allergic reaction include hives, rash, itchy skin or eyes, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, fainting, and anxiety. The most common drugs that people are allergic to include penicillins and penicillin type drugs, sulfa drugs, insulin, and iodine. Treatment may involve antihistamines or corticosteroids. An EpiPen may be used for life-threatening anaphylactic symptoms.
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What Are the Symptoms of Ragweed Allergy?
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What Foods Cause Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Oral allergy syndrome, also called pollen food allergy syndrome or PFAS, is a type of food allergy caused by certain allergens found in both pollen and raw vegetables and fruits and some nuts. Foods that cause oral allergy syndrome include those in the birch, grass and ragweed families.
Treatment & Diagnosis
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Medications & Supplements
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Zyrtec Hives)
- cocaine
- Side Effects of Flonase (fluticasone)
- What Are the Benefits of An Aerosol Treatment?
- Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride)
- ipratropium
- Nasal Allergy Medications
- Side Effects of Breo Ellipta (fluticasone and vilanterol)
- Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate)
- Dymista (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate)
- budesonide nasal inhaler (Rhinocort Allergy, Rhinocort Aqua)
- loratadine and pseudoephedrine (Alavert Allergy & Sinus, Claritin-D, Claritin-D 24 hour)
- Zinc for Colds: Lozenges & Nasal Sprays
- fluticasone furoate nasal spray (Veramyst)
- Side Effects of Flovent (fluticasone propionate) oral inhaler
- Advair Diskus, Advair HFA (fluticasone and salmeterol oral inhaler)
- fluticasone propionate oral inhaler (Flovent)
- Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler-spray
- fluticasone furoate and vilanterol inhalation powder (Breo Ellipta)
- Spiriva
- Cutivate (fluticasone propionate)
- brompheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
- flunisolide nasal spray, Aerospan (Nasalide, Aerobid, Aerobid HFA are discontinued)
- Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhaler) Side Effects, Warnings & Interactions
- fluticasone propionate (Cutivate)
- Does Immunotherapy Work for Allergies?
- fluticasone hfa inhaler - oral
- ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone propionate inhalation powder)
- Side Effects of Veramyst (fluticasone)
- ArmonAir RespiClick (fluticasone propionate)
- fluticasone disk inhaler - oral, Flovent Rotadisk
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.