Fluticasone is a type of corticosteroid drug that helps reduce inflammation. It is available as a nasal spray, inhaled corticosteroid, or topical cream or ointment.

Doctors recommend fluticasone-containing medications to treat a range of conditions, including inflammatory skin conditions, allergies, and asthma.

This article describes the forms of fluticasone, how they work, and how to use them. It also gives safety information, including information about possible side effects and interactions.

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Fluticasone is a corticosteroid. These drugs help reduce inflammation in the body.

Fluticasone is available as:

  • a topical anti-inflammatory cream or ointment for relevant skin conditions
  • a nasal spray for seasonal or perennial allergies
  • an inhaled corticosteroid to treat the symptoms of asthma

The two main types of fluticasone medication are:

  • Fluticasone furoate (FF). The branded version is Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief.
  • Fluticasone propionate (FP). Branded versions include:
    • Cutivate
    • Flonase Allergy Relief
    • Flovent HFA

As the author of a 2011 review observes, the two forms have very distinct characteristics. They warn that the differences are significant enough that doctors and researchers should avoid referring to either form as simply “fluticasone.”

The table below provides a quick overview of the branded forms of fluticasone, including their uses:

BrandFluticasone typePurposeForm
CutivateFPfor the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczematopical
Flonase nasal sprayFPfor the treatment of allergy symptomsnasal spray
Flonase Sensimist Allergy ReliefFFfor the treatment of allergy symptomsnasal spray

Flovent HFA
FPfor the treatment of asthma symptomsinhaler

Speak with a doctor or pharmacist for detailed advice about how to administer these treatments.

The dosage a doctor recommends depends on:

  • the specific medication
  • its intended purpose
  • the age of the person using it

Below, find general dosage guidelines for each brand. However, it is important for each person to follow their doctor’s instructions.

Cutivate

Cutivate, a branded form of FP ointment, is suitable for adults only.

An adult using the product should apply a thin layer to the affected area of skin twice daily.

Flonase nasal spray

This is not suitable for children younger than 4 years.

In the first week of use, an adult should use two sprays per nostril once a day. Afterward, continue to use one or two sprays per nostril once a day. Each spray is the equivalent of 100 micrograms (mcg) of FP.

If the symptoms do not go away within up to 6 months of use, contact the doctor before continuing with the treatment.

Adolescents and children older than 4 years should use one spray per nostril once a day.

Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief

Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief is not suitable for children younger than 2 years.

Children aged 2–11 years should have one spray in each nostril per day, which is the equivalent of FF 55 mcg per day (27.5 mcg per spray).

Anyone 12 years or older should use two sprays in each nostril per day in the first week, then one or two sprays per nostril each day. The dosage would be in the range of 55–110 mcg of FF per day.

If the symptoms do not go away with up to 6 months of use, speak with the doctor before continuing to use this product.

Flovent HFA

The Flovent HFA inhaler is not suitable for children younger than 4 years.

Children aged 4–11 years might require 88 mcg twice daily. If the device administers 44 mcg per inhalation, this would mean two inhalations twice a day.

For people aged 12 years or older, the starting dosage of Flovent HFA is 88 mcg twice daily. The maximum dosage for this group is 880 mcg twice daily.

However, the right dosage for each person depends on the severity of their asthma and any asthma medications they may have taken previously.

It is important to note that Flovent HFA is not a rescue inhaler for acute asthma episodes. It is only intended for the maintenance of asthma relief.

For most people who are generally healthy and have no other underlying medical conditions, fluticasone medications should be safe. But as always, follow the doctor’s instructions about doses and timing carefully.

It is crucial to check that the medication is suitable for a child, based on their age, before administering a fluticasone medication.

Fluticasone may not be safe for people with certain underlying health conditions. A person should discuss their health history thoroughly with a doctor first.

Pregnant or nursing people should also speak with their doctors before taking any form of fluticasone. The doctor can describe the potential benefits and risks of the medication.

Be cautious when administering fluticasone medications to children, as the appropriate age varies among products and brands. Check labels carefully, and reach out to the pediatrician for further advice.

Yes. Types of fluticasone can interact with other medications.

For example, inhaled or sprayed forms of fluticasone may interact with medications that contain CYP3A4 inhibitors. Some of these include:

  • certain antibiotics, including clarithromycin (Biaxin) and telithromycin (Ketek)
  • certain antifungals, including itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  • certain antiretroviral medications, including:
    • ritonavir (Kaletra)
    • atazanavir (Reyataz)
    • indinavir (Crixivan)
    • nelfinavir (Viracept)
    • saquinavir (Invirase)
  • the antidepressant nefazodone (Serzone)
  • other steroid medications for asthma, allergy, or skin conditions, including budesonide (Pulmicort) and prednisone (Deltasone)

Taking any of the above medications with one that contains fluticasone can increase the risk of experiencing side effects.

Fluticasone-containing medications can cause side effects. These differ, depending on the specific medication and its method of use.

Cutivate

Possible side effects of Cutivate may include:

Flonase nasal spray

Some common side effects of Flonase nasal spray may include:

Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief

Some side effects of Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief may include:

  • thick nasal discharge
  • damage to the nasal passages
  • nosebleeds
  • severe facial pain
  • changes in vision

Flovent HFA

Potential side effects of Flovent HFA may include:

Other side effects may also occur. A person should contact a doctor or pharmacist for a full list of the potential side effects.

Experts generally consider fluticasone safe, as long as a person takes the medication according to the instructions of their doctor or pharmacist.

It is especially important for anyone who is pregnant or nursing or who has an underlying health condition to discuss their health thoroughly with a doctor before taking a fluticasone-containing medication.

Also, be sure to store the medication out of the reach of children.

Let the doctor know about mild or moderate side effects of any medication that contains fluticasone. They may recommend adjusting the dosage or changing medications.

Also, tell the doctor if the medication is not fully effective, as they may be able to recommend an alternative.

Contact the doctor after 6 months of using any of the above fluticasone treatments, in order to be sure that it is appropriate to continue.

Seek emergency care if symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, occur.

These symptoms can include:

Also, contact emergency services if anyone has taken too much of a particular medication. A person in the United States can reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers by calling 1-800-222-1222 or clicking here.

Fluticasone is a type of corticosteroid that can treat issues such as allergies and asthma. It is available in various forms, including an ointment, nasal spray, and inhaled medication.

Fluticasone can interact with other drugs and supplements, so it is crucial to let the doctor know about any ongoing treatments before filling a prescription for a medication that contains fluticasone.

Anyone who experiences side effects should let their doctor know. If a side effect seems severe or any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction occur, seek emergency medical care.