MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
February 10, 2010
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary Pet Health
Font Size
A
A
A


Medications and Drugs

Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

GENERIC NAME: fluticasone

BRAND NAME: Flonase, Veramyst

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Fluticasone is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family of drugs that is used for treating allergic conditions involving the nose. Fluticasone mimics the naturally-occurring hormone produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol or hydrocortisone. The exact mechanism of action of fluticasone is unknown. Fluticasone has potent anti-inflammatory actions. It is believed that fluticasone exerts its beneficial effects by inhibiting several types of cells and chemicals involved in allergic, immune and inflammatory responses. When used as a nasal inhaler or spray, the medication goes directly to the lining within the nose, and very little is absorbed into the rest of the body. The FDA approved fluticasone in October 1994.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Intranasal spray: 50 or 27.5 mcg per actuation

STORAGE: Fluticasone should be stored at 4°-30°C (39°-86°F) and shaken well before each use.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Fluticasone is used for the control of symptoms of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, a condition in which the lining of the nose swells and releases fluid that results in a stuffy and runny nose.

DOSING: Fluticasone usually is administered as two sprays in each nostril once daily, or one spray in each nostril twice daily. After a few days of continuous use, one spray in each nostril once daily may be sufficient.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Ritonavir (Norvir) and ketoconazole (Nizoral) may increase the blood concentrations of fluticasone and potentially increase its side effects.

PREGNANCY: Fluticasone has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. Fluticasone should be used during pregnancy when it is absolutely necessary.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if fluticasone is secreted in breast milk. Other medications in the same class as fluticasone are secreted into breast milk. Fluticasone should be used only while breastfeeding if it is absolutely necessary. 

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects associated with fluticasone are headache, throat infection, nasal irritation, sneezing, cough, nausea, vomiting, and nosebleeds. Hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rash, itching, facial swelling, and anaphylaxis may occur. Some children may experience growth suppression when using fluticasone.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information


Last Editorial Review: 4/14/2008




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
  • Hay Fever - Learn about treatment, medications and ways to manage hay fever, plus, read about causes, signs, symptoms and diagnosis of allergies and allergic rhinitis.
  • Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.

Latest Medical News


Back to Medications Index

Allergies & Asthma

Improve treatments & prevent attacks.


Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain



Related Drugs - WebMD Health Network

fluticasone propionate nasal inhaler-spray, Flonase, Veramyst

What is hay fever? What are the symptoms and signs?

Hay fever is a misnomer. Hay is not a usual cause of this problem, and it does not cause fever. Early descriptions of sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye irritation while harvesting field hay promoted this popular term. Allergic rhinitis is the correct term used to describe this allergic reaction, and many different substances cause the allergic symptoms noted in hay fever. Rhinitis means "irritation of the nose" and is a derivative of rhino, meaning nose. Allergic rhinitis which occurs during a specific season is called "seasonal allergic rhinitis." When it occurs throughout the year, it is called "perennial allergic rhinitis."

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, frequently include nasal congestion, a clear runny nose, sneezing, nose and eye itching, and excess tear production in the eyes. Postnasal dripping of clear mucus frequently causes a cough. Loss of the sense ...

Read the Hay Fever article »











Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Image Collection | Medical Dictionary | Pet Health

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Blood Pressure | Cancer | Chronic Pain | Cold & Flu | Diabetes | Digestion | Eyesight | Health & Living | Healthy Kids

Hearing & Ear | Heart | Infectious Disease | Men's Health | Mental Health | News & Views | Pregnancy | Sexual Health | Skin | Women's Health | More...

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Newsletters | RSS Feeds | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2010 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.