Fluticasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid which is used in some countries to treat nasal symptoms. Both the furoate and propanoate esters, fluticasone furoate and fluticasone propionate, are also used as topical anti-inflammatories and inhaled corticosteroids, and are used much more commonly in comparison.
Fluticasone inhalation is a steroid that is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children. Fluticasone inhalation is sometimes used together with steroid medicine taken by mouth.
Fluticasone inhalation is not a rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well. You should not use the inhalation powder if you are allergic to milk proteins.
Fluticasone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Fluticasone belongs to a group of corticosteroids which utilizes a fluorocarbothioate ester linkage at the 17 carbon position; extremely potent vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory activity. The effectiveness of inhaled fluticasone is due to its direct local effect.
Data from controlled trials and meta-analyses indicate that inhalational fluticasone propionate, when swallowed rather than inhaled, is effective at improving the clinicopathologic features of eosinophilic esophagitis.
Based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2018 update to the guidelines for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), long-term monotherapy with inhaled corticosteroids is not recommended. Regular treatment with ICS has been shown to increase the risk of pneumonia, especially in those with severe disease.
Metabolism: Hepatic via CYP3A4 to 17β-carboxylic acid (negligible activity)
Absorption: Absorbed systemically primarily via lungs (Flovent Diskus: ~18%); minimal GI absorption (<1%) due to presystemic metabolism.
Route of elimination: Feces (as parent drug and metabolites); urine (<5% as metabolites).
Half-Life: IV: ~8 hours; Oral inhalation (plasma elimination phase following repeat dosing): 24 hours (ArmonAir RespiClick: ~11.2 hours)
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.Some medical conditions may interact with Fluticasone.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.
Side effects include: cough, general aches and pains or general feeling of illness, greenish-yellow mucus in the nose, headache, hoarseness or other voice changes, runny, sore, or stuffy nose.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.
