Fluticasone propionate, sold under the brand names Flovent and Flonase among others, is a steroid medication.[8] When inhaled it is used for the long term management of asthma and COPD.[8] In the nose it is used for hay fever and nasal polyps.[9][10] It can also be used for mouth ulcers.[11] It works by decreasing inflammation.
Fluticasone propionate was patented in 1980, and approved for medical use in 1990.[12] It is available as a generic medication.[10] In 2021, fluticasone was the 23rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 25million prescriptions.[13][14]
Fluticasone propionate is used by powder or aerosol inhalation for the prophylaxis of asthma.[3][8] The nasal spray is used for prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis.[2] Nasal drops are used in the treatment of nasal polyps. The nasal spray can also be used in the mouth for mouth ulcers.[11]
Fluticasone propionate in a topical form can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rashes.[15][16]
The nasal spray and oral inhaler formulation have fewer corticosteroid side effects than the tablet formulation because they limit systemic (blood) absorption.[2] However, systemic absorption is not negligible even with correct administration.[2][specify] Using the spray or inhaler at higher than recommended doses or with other corticosteroids can increase the risk for serious, systemic corticosteroid induced side effects.[2][3] These side effects include weakened immune system, increased risk of systemic infections, osteoporosis, and elevated pressure in the eyes.[17]
Common side effects may include nasal irritation (burning, stinging, bleeding), headache, upset stomach (nausea, vomiting), and diarrhea. Rare side effects include infection (evidenced by, for example, fever, sore throat, and cough), vision problems, severe swelling, hoarse voice, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.[18][9][2]
Common side effects may include upper respiratory tract infection, throat irritation, thrush, cough, and headache. Rare side effects include bruising, swelling of the face/neck, depression, tiredness, and shortness of breath.[19][8][3]
^ abBritish national formulary : BNF 76 (76 ed.). Pharmaceutical Press. 2018. pp. 262, 1172. ISBN9780857113382.
^ ab"Flixonase aqueous spray"(PDF). Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. June 2018. Archived from the original(PDF) on 25 September 2019. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
^"Fluticasone Oral Inhalation". AHFS Consumer Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 1 September 2010 [2008]. Archived from the original on 3 November 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
^Foisy MM, Yakiwchuk EM, Chiu I, Singh AE (July 2008). "Adrenal suppression and Cushing's syndrome secondary to an interaction between ritonavir and fluticasone: a review of the literature". HIV Medicine. 9 (6): 389–96. doi:10.1111/j.1468-1293.2008.00579.x. PMID18459946. S2CID40502127.
