Fluticasone

What Is Fluticasone?

Fluticasone is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid. It is used locally, which means it is applied where it is needed (breathed into the lungs, sprayed into the nose, or rubbed onto the skin), so that less of the medicine reaches the rest of the body than with steroid tablets.

Drug class: Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid), used as an inhaled corticosteroid, a nasal corticosteroid, or a topical corticosteroid, depending on the form.

Fluticasone is sold as two related forms of the same medicine, called fluticasone propionate and fluticasone furoate. Both work in a similar way.

Approved and Common Prescribed Uses

Depending on the country, form, and label, fluticasone is used for:

• Asthma (inhaled): regular (maintenance) treatment to help control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
• Allergic rhinitis (nasal spray): relief of sneezing, runny nose, itching, and nasal congestion caused by seasonal or year-round allergies.
• Non-allergic rhinitis (some nasal sprays): relief of nasal symptoms that are not caused by allergies, where labeled.
• Skin conditions that respond to steroids (cream, ointment, lotion): such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) and other inflammatory skin conditions, as directed by a doctor.

Fluticasone inhalers are not rescue inhalers and do not relieve sudden asthma symptoms.

Available Formulations and Strengths

Formulation	Common Strengths	Main Use
Inhalation aerosol (metered-dose inhaler), fluticasone propionate	Varies by country (for example, 44, 110, and 220 mcg per puff)	Asthma
Inhalation powder (dry powder inhaler), fluticasone propionate or fluticasone furoate	Varies by country (for example, 50, 100, and 200 mcg per dose)	Asthma
Nasal spray, fluticasone propionate	50 mcg per spray	Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
Nasal spray, fluticasone furoate	27.5 mcg per spray	Allergic rhinitis
Cream, ointment, or lotion, fluticasone propionate	Commonly 0.05% cream, 0.005% ointment, and 0.05% lotion	Steroid-responsive skin conditions

Fluticasone is also combined with other medicines in some products, such as with a long-acting bronchodilator in inhalers, or with an antihistamine in nasal sprays. Those combination products have their own guides. Available products, strengths, and approved ages differ by country and brand.

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What Is the Recommended Dosage of Fluticasone?

A licensed healthcare professional, or the product label for over-the-counter nasal sprays, sets the dose. It depends on:

• The condition being treated and how severe it is.
• The form used: inhaled, nasal, and skin products are each dosed differently.
• Age: children, teenagers, and adults often use different strengths, and some products are not approved for young children.
• How well symptoms are controlled, and whether symptoms have improved or worsened over time.
• Other health conditions, such as liver disease or infections.

Body weight is not usually used to set the dose. Dose adjustments for kidney disease are not typically needed.

Dosage Forms

• Inhalation aerosol
• Inhalation powder
• Nasal spray
• Cream, ointment, or lotion

General Use Information

• Inhalers are usually used on a regular schedule, often once or twice daily. Rinse your mouth with water after each use and spit it out to lower the chance of mouth and throat infections. Do not swallow the rinse water.
• Nasal sprays are usually used once or twice daily. Shake the bottle if the label says to, prime it as directed, and aim the spray toward the outer wall of the nose, away from the center divider (septum).
• Skin products are usually applied in a thin layer to the affected area once or twice daily for a limited time. Do not cover the skin with tight bandages or dressings unless a doctor says to, and wash your hands after use unless your hands are being treated.

Using more than directed does not improve results and can raise the risk of side effects. Follow your specialist’s instructions and the product label.

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How Fluticasone Works

Fluticasone belongs to a group of medicines that calm the body’s inflammatory response. When airways, nasal passages, or skin are inflamed, they become swollen, red, itchy, or irritated. Fluticasone reduces the release of inflammatory substances and the activity of immune cells in the treated area.

• In the lungs, this means less swelling in the airways, which helps reduce wheezing, coughing, and flare-ups over time.
• In the nose, it helps ease sneezing, itching, runny nose, and congestion.
• On the skin, it helps reduce redness, itching, and inflammation.

Fluticasone helps manage these conditions but does not cure them. It works best when used regularly as directed, and the full benefit may take days to weeks, especially for inhalers and nasal sprays. It does not work right away, so it is not a rescue medicine.

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Is a Prescription Required to Buy Fluticasone Online?

It depends on the form and the country.

• Inhalers and skin products (cream, ointment, lotion): These are available by prescription only in most countries.
• Nasal sprays: Some fluticasone nasal sprays are available without a prescription for allergy symptoms in certain countries, including the United States, while other nasal products require a prescription. Check the label, and talk with a pharmacist or healthcare professional, especially for children or for long-term use.

Which Specialist Can Help?

• A pulmonologist (lung specialist) or allergist/immunologist often manages asthma and allergic conditions.
• An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may help with nasal and sinus conditions.
• A dermatologist (skin specialist) commonly manages skin conditions treated with fluticasone creams and ointments.
• A pediatrician or primary care provider may also prescribe it and follow the patient over time.

Buying Safely

• Buy only from licensed pharmacies.
• Be wary of sites that sell prescription products without a prescription or at prices that seem too low. Such products may be counterfeit, expired, badly stored, or contain the wrong ingredients.
• Make sure the package is sealed, properly labeled, and has an expiration date. If anything looks odd, ask a pharmacist.

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Side Effects of Fluticasone

Many people tolerate fluticasone well, but side effects can occur. Not everyone will have them. Side effects depend on the form used.

Common Side Effects

Inhaled:

• Hoarse voice, sore throat, or throat irritation
• Cough
• Thrush (white or yellow patches) in the mouth or throat
• Headache
• Colds and other upper respiratory infections

Nasal spray:

• Nosebleeds or blood-streaked mucus
• Nasal dryness, burning, or irritation
• Headache
• Sore throat or cough
• Unpleasant taste or smell

Skin products:

• Burning, stinging, or itching where applied
• Dryness or irritation
• Small red bumps (folliculitis) or acne-like bumps

Serious Side Effects

These are uncommon but important:

• Allergic reactions: rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or trouble breathing
• Breathing that suddenly gets worse right after an inhaled dose (paradoxical bronchospasm)
• Eye problems, such as blurred vision, cataracts, or glaucoma, with long-term use of any form
• Slowed growth in children with long-term use
• Suppressed adrenal function or too much steroid effect (Cushing’s syndrome), especially with high doses, long-term use, large areas of treated skin, or when combined with certain medicines
• Lower bone density with long-term inhaled use
• Increased risk of infection, or worsening of existing infections such as tuberculosis, herpes, or fungal infections
• Nasal sores or a hole in the nasal septum with nasal spray
• Thinning of the skin, stretch marks, easy bruising, or slow wound healing with skin products
• Pneumonia, which has been reported with inhaled steroids in people with COPD

When to Get Medical Help Right Away

Seek emergency care if there is:

• Severe trouble breathing, or breathing that worsens after using the inhaler
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe or persistent nosebleeds

Contact a healthcare professional soon if you notice vision changes, white patches in the mouth, skin that looks infected or is getting worse, slow growth in a child, or symptoms that are not improving.

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Drug Interactions

Some medicines can raise fluticasone levels in the body, even when it is inhaled, sprayed in the nose, or applied to the skin. Give your specialist and pharmacist a full list of everything you use.

Prescription Medicine Categories

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, which can raise fluticasone levels and increase the risk of steroid side effects such as Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression. Examples include ritonavir- and cobicistat-containing HIV medicines, certain antifungals (such as ketoconazole and itraconazole), and certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin).
• Other steroid medicines, including steroid tablets, injections, or other inhaled, nasal, or skin steroids, which can add to steroid effects.
• Medicines that weaken the immune system, which may increase infection risk.
• Long-acting bronchodilators or other asthma and allergy medicines, which are often used with fluticasone but should be directed by a doctor.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines

• Other OTC nasal sprays, allergy medicines, or skin steroid creams should be used with fluticasone only with a healthcare professional’s approval.
• Some cold and allergy products contain steroids or decongestants. Check labels.

Supplements and Herbal Products

• St. John’s wort and other herbal products can change how the body handles medicines. Ask before using them.
• Tell your healthcare professional about any supplement you use.

Do not start, stop, or change any medicine or supplement without telling your healthcare professional.

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Safety & Important Considerations

Not for Sudden Symptoms

Fluticasone does not treat a sudden asthma attack or sudden nasal blockage. Keep a fast-acting rescue inhaler on hand as directed if you have asthma, and get emergency help if breathing gets worse.

Eye Health

Long-term use of steroids can raise the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Tell your healthcare professional about any eye problems or a family history of glaucoma, and report vision changes right away. Regular eye checks may be advised.

Infections

Steroids can lower the body’s ability to fight some infections. Tell your healthcare professional if you have or have been exposed to tuberculosis, chickenpox, measles, or untreated fungal, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.

Nasal Spray Precautions

Avoid fluticasone nasal spray if you have recent nasal surgery, nasal injury, or nasal sores until they have healed, unless a doctor says otherwise.

Skin Product Precautions

• Use on the face, groin, and underarms only if a doctor says to, as the skin there absorbs more medicine.
• Do not use on skin infections unless the infection is also being treated.
• Do not use on large areas, for longer than advised, or on broken skin unless directed.
• Do not use skin products in or near the eyes.

Liver Disease

Fluticasone is broken down by the liver. People with severe liver disease may have higher levels in the body and need closer monitoring.

Kidney Disease

Dose changes are not usually needed, but share any kidney conditions with your provider.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Uncontrolled asthma or severe allergy can also pose risks in pregnancy, so decisions about treatment should be made with a specialist.
• It is not fully known whether fluticasone passes into breast milk in meaningful amounts.

Children and Older Adults

• Children: Approved ages differ by product. Growth should be monitored regularly in children using steroids over long periods. Children’s skin absorbs more medicine, so skin products should be used carefully.
• Older adults: Bone loss, eye conditions, and other health problems may call for closer monitoring.

Conditions to Discuss Before Starting

Tell your healthcare professional if you have, or have had:

• Eye problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma
• Tuberculosis or other untreated infections
• Liver disease
• Osteoporosis
• Recent nasal surgery, injury, or nasal sores
• A skin infection in the area to be treated
• A severe allergy to milk proteins (relevant to some powder inhalers)
• An allergy to any steroid medicine

Monitoring

Your care team may:

• Track symptoms, lung function tests, and how often you need rescue medicine
• Check eyes, bone health, and growth in children during long-term use
• Look at the skin for thinning or other changes
• Check the inside of the nose during long-term nasal spray use

Switching From Steroid Tablets

If you are changing from oral steroids to an inhaled steroid, your doctor will lower the steroid dose gradually. Do not stop steroid tablets suddenly.

Safety Information From Regulators

Regulators note that steroids used in the lungs, nose, or on the skin carry warnings about eye changes, infections, adrenal suppression, growth effects in children, and interactions with certain medicines. Read the current prescribing information and patient leaflet that come with your medicine.

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Who This Medication Is For

Fluticasone is intended for:

• People with asthma who need regular, long-term controller treatment, as decided by their healthcare professional and within the label’s age limits.
• People with allergic or non-allergic rhinitis who need relief of nasal symptoms.
• People with steroid-responsive skin conditions, such as eczema, when a doctor recommends a skin product.

A specialist or primary care provider decides if it is appropriate after reviewing symptoms, prior treatments, and overall health.

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Who Should Not Take Fluticasone

Do not use this medicine if:

• You are allergic to fluticasone, other steroid medicines, or any other ingredient in the product.
• You have a severe allergy to milk proteins and use a powder inhaler that contains lactose, as the powder may carry traces of milk protein.
• You are having a sudden, severe asthma attack (status asthmaticus) or need quick relief of breathing symptoms. Inhaled fluticasone is not for primary treatment of these emergencies.
• You have a skin infection in the area to be treated, unless a doctor has also arranged treatment for the infection (skin products).

Important Precautions

Use extra caution and speak with your specialist if you have eye conditions, an active infection, liver disease, osteoporosis, or recent nasal injury or surgery. Use extra caution in children and when using more than one steroid product.

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What to Do If You Miss a Dose

• Inhaler or nasal spray: If you miss a dose, skip it if it is almost time for the next one. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Return to your usual schedule.
• Skin products: Apply the product as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next application. Do not apply extra amounts to make up for a missed dose.
• Never double up or take extra doses to catch up.
• If you often forget doses or are unsure what to do, contact a licensed healthcare professional or pharmacist.
• If symptoms worsen after a missed dose, follow your action plan and get medical help if needed.

Related medications to Fluticasone

Other medicines used for similar conditions include:

• Other inhaled corticosteroids for asthma, such as budesonide, beclomethasone, mometasone, or ciclesonide
• Inhaled corticosteroid combinations with a long-acting bronchodilator (ICS/LABA)
• Other nasal corticosteroids, such as budesonide, mometasone, triamcinolone, or beclomethasone
• Antihistamine nasal sprays or tablets, or combination nasal sprays, for allergic rhinitis
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists, such as montelukast, for asthma or allergic rhinitis
• Other topical steroids or non-steroid skin treatments, such as calcineurin inhibitors, for skin conditions

These options differ in how they are used, how they work, and their side effects. Do not switch or stop treatment without guidance. Any change should be made after consulting a licensed medical specialist.

Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature, usually about 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), unless the label says otherwise. Many nasal sprays and skin products tolerate a wider range, so follow the label.
• Keep products dry and away from moisture, such as steamy bathrooms.
• Protect from light, heat, and freezing. Inhaler canisters are pressurized, so do not puncture them, burn them, or keep them near heat or open flame.
• Keep the cap on the inhaler, nasal spray, or tube when not in use.
• Follow the label for how long a product can be used after it is opened, and stop using an inhaler when the dose counter reads zero.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets. Never share your inhaler, nasal spray, or skin product with others.
• Dispose of expired or empty products as advised by your pharmacist or local disposal program.

Disclaimer:

This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must consult a licensed pulmonologist, allergist, dermatologist, ear, nose, and throat specialist, or other relevant medical specialist before starting, changing, or stopping treatment. Treatment decisions must be based on a full clinical evaluation by a qualified specialist. Always follow the prescribing information and patient leaflet provided with your medicine.