Fluticasone

Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 4/20/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

• Brand Name (Inhalation): Armonair, Arnuity Ellipta, Flovent (aerosol), Flovent Diskus (powder)
  
• Brand Name (Nasal Spray): Flonase, Veramyst
  
• Generic Name: Fluticasone
  
• Uses: Asthma, COPD, Allergic Rhinitis, Nasal Polyps
  
• Drug Class: Corticosteroid (Glucocorticoid)
  
• Availability: Prescription required for inhalant medication and fluticasone for nasal polyps. Fluticasone nasal sprays for allergies are available OTC
  
• Generic Status: Yes
  
• Controlled Substance: No
  
  

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication. It is primarily used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergic rhinitis. Prescription-strength fluticasone nasal spray is also used to treat nasal polyps.

Fluticasone works by reducing inflammation in the airways and nasal passages, helping to improve breathing and alleviate symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, nasal congestion, and sneezing.

Fluticasone is used to treat conditions such as:

• Asthma: Including asthma attacks and ongoing management of asthma symptoms.
  
• Allergic Rhinitis: This includes seasonal or perennial allergies with symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.
  
• Nasal Polyps: Fluticasone nasal spray can help reduce inflammation and symptoms associated with nasal polyps.
  
  

Fluticasone is available in different forms for different conditions:

Inhalation Aerosol/Powder: Fluticasone inhalers and powder are used with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) or dry powder inhalers (DPIs) for respiratory conditions. Both require a prescription.

Nasal Spray: This is used for allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps. Some fluticasone nasal sprays are available over the counter, but prescription-strength nasal spray is used for nasal polyps.

For inhalation:

• Shake the inhaler well before each use.
  
• Breathe out fully, place the inhaler in your mouth (for inhalation aerosol) or insert the mouthpiece into your mouth and inhale deeply (for inhalation powder).
  
• Hold your breath for a few seconds before exhaling slowly.
  
• Rinse your mouth with water after using the inhaler to reduce the risk of throat irritation or oral yeast infections (thrush).
  
  

For nasal spray:

• Shake the nasal spray bottle gently before each use.
  
• Tilt your head slightly forward and insert the nasal spray nozzle into one nostril, aiming slightly away from the center of your nose.
  
• Spray the medication into your nostril while inhaling gently through your nose.
  
• Repeat the process for the other nostril if directed by your healthcare provider.
  
  

Follow the prescribed dosage and schedule strictly. Do not exceed the recommended dose without consulting your healthcare provider.

The time it takes to experience improvement with fluticasone can vary depending on the severity of your condition and how well you respond to the medication. In general, you may start to notice a reduction in symptoms within a few days to weeks of starting treatment. However, it's important to continue using fluticasone as prescribed for optimal control of your condition.

While fluticasone is primarily used for respiratory conditions, healthcare providers may sometimes prescribe it off-label for other conditions. These include:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD is an umbrella term for a collection of conditions that include chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Discuss any alternative uses of fluticasone with your healthcare provider.

Fluticasone is available in the following dosage forms:

• Inhalation Aerosol/Powder: For respiratory conditions.
  
• Nasal Spray: For allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps.
  
  

Generic versions of fluticasone are available under various brand names.

Som forms of fluticasone require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.