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- Take the Quiz on Allergies
- Nasal Allergy Relief Products Slideshow
- What is fluticasone? How does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the uses for fluticasone?
- What are the side effects of fluticasone?
- What is the dosage for fluticasone?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with fluticasone?
- Is fluticasone safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about fluticasone?
What is fluticasone? How does it work (mechanism of action)?
Fluticasone is a man-made corticosteroid. The exact mechanism of action of fluticasone is not known; however, it stimulates glucocorticoid receptors in humans that produces a potent anti-inflammatory response. Fluticasone also works on multiple cells and mediators that are responsible for the inflammatory symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, etc). The FDA approved fluticasone in October 1994.
What are the uses for fluticasone?
Fluticasone is used for the management of nasal symptoms of seasonal or perennial, allergic and non-allergic rhinitis in adults and children of 4 years of age and older. Safe and effective use of fluticasone has not been established for children under the age of 4.
What are the side effects of fluticasone?
Side effects of fluticasone include:
- headache,
- sore throat,
- nosebleeds,
- nasal burning or nasal irritation,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- asthma symptoms, or
- cough.
Some children may experience growth suppression from use of inhaled steroids.
What is the dosage for fluticasone?
- Adults: The recommended dosing is 2 sprays per nostril daily. The maximum dose is 200 mcg/day (4 sprays). Maintenance therapy is 1 spray in each nostril daily.
- Adolescents and children 4 years of age and older: the recommended dosing is 1 spray per nostril daily (total dose 100 mcg.) Patients that do not respond adequately may increase to two sprays in each nostril once a day. The maximum dose is 200 mcg/day.
Which drugs or supplements interact with fluticasone?
Ritonavir (Norvir) and ketoconazole (Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric) increase fluticasone levels in the body by delaying its metabolism (elimination). It is not clear how important this effect is.

QUESTION
Allergies can best be described as: See AnswerIs fluticasone safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies of fluticasone to determine its safety and effectiveness in pregnant women.
It is not known whether fluticasone enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about fluticasone?
- Fluticasone propionate nasal spray is available as a 16 gm bottle, providing a total of 120 sprays. Each spray contains 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate.
- Fluticasone propionate should be store between 4 C and 30 C (39 F and 86 F).
- Brand names for fluticasone propionate are Flonase and Flonase Allergy Relief.
- Flonase is available by prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).
Summary
Fluticasone propionate nasal spray (Flonase, Flonase Allergy Relief) is a corticosteroid prescribed for the management of symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, safety during pregnancy, and safety in children should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Cough: 19 Tips on How to Stop a Cough
Coughing is a reflex that helps a person clear their airways of irritants. There are many causes of an excessive or severe cough including irritants like cigarette and secondhand smoke, pollution, air fresheners, medications like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, the common cold, GERD, lung cancer, and heart disease.Natural and home remedies to help cure and soothe a cough include staying hydrated, gargle salt water, use cough drops or lozenges, use herbs and supplements like ginger, mint, licorice, and slippery elm, and don't smoke. Over-the-counter products (OTC)to cure and soothe a cough include cough suppressants and expectorants, and anti-reflux drugs. Prescription drugs that help cure a cough include narcotic medications, antibiotics, inhaled steroids, and anti-reflux drugs like proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, for example, omeprazole (Prilosec), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and pantoprazole (Protonix).
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What Is Mucus?
Mucus is a normal substance produced by lining tissues in the body. Excess mucus or mucus that is yellow, green, brown, or bloody may indicate a problem. Mucus production may increase when allergies, a cold, flu, cough, or sore throat are present. Antihistamines and cold and flu medications may help alleviate excess mucus. A neti pot may be used to decrease nasal congestion and clear mucus.
-
Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)
Sinus infection (sinusitis) is caused by allergies, infection, and chemicals or other irritants of sinuses. Signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.
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Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip
Chronic rhinitis (non allergic rhinitis) causes runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching and congestion. Post-nasal drip is drainage of mucus from the sinuses into the throat. Treatment includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
-
How Long Does an Allergic Reaction Last?
Allergic reactions may last for varying lengths of time. They may take a few hours to a few days to disappear. If the exposure to the allergen continues, such as during a spring pollen season, allergic reactions may last for longer periods such as a few weeks to months.
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Allergy (Allergies)
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
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Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
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Cold, Flu, Allergy Treatments
Before treating a cold, the flu, or allergies with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, it's important to know what's causing the symptoms, which symptoms one wishes to relieve, and the active ingredients in the OTC product. Taking products that only contain the medications needed for relieving your symptoms prevents ingestion of unnecessary medications and reduces the chances of side effects.
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Allergy Treatment Begins at Home
Avoiding allergy triggers at home is one of the best ways to prevent allergy symptoms. Controlling temperature, humidity, and ventilation are a few ways to allergy-proof the home. Cleaning, vacuuming, and using HEPA air filters also helps control allergies.
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Sinus Infection vs. Allergies
Both sinus infections and allergies (allergic rhinitis) cause symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose and fatigue. Sinus infection (known as sinusitis) is inflammation of the sinuses, caused by infection from bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi (molds). Allergic rhinitis occurs when certain allergies cause nasal symptoms. When a person with allergies breathes in an allergen, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander, symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, itching, sneezing, and fatigue occur.
-
Why Won’t My Allergy Symptoms Go Away?
Allergies happen when your body's immune system reacts to certain substances as though they are harmful. Allergy symptoms may not go away unless you avoid your triggers, stick to your medications, find the right combination of medications, and consider surgery.
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What Causes Chronic Sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis occurs when the tissue lining the facial sinuses becomes inflamed for at least three months. Chronic sinusitis usually involves nasal airway swelling (rhinitis). The causes of chronic sinusitis include nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum, medical conditions, respiratory tract infections, and allergies.
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Do Allergy Desensitization Shots Work?
Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances called allergens. Allergy desensitization shots make your body less likely to react to allergen.
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What Are the Symptoms of Ragweed Allergy?
The common symptoms of ragweed allergy are sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery red eyes, headache, nasal congestion, eye swelling, rashes and coughing.
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How Do You Know if You Are Allergic to Pollen?
Pollen is a powdery yellow grain that fertilizes other plants of the same species. The only way to know for sure if a person has pollen allergy is to see a board-certified allergist for allergy testing.
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Should I Exercise Outside if I Have Allergies?
An allergy is a condition in which the immune system overresponds to a foreign substance. With the right treatment and precautions, you can completely eliminate allergy flare-ups during your outdoor workout.
Treatment & Diagnosis
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Medications & Supplements
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- Drug Interactions
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- Advair Diskus, Advair HFA (fluticasone and salmeterol oral inhaler)
- Side Effects of Flonase (fluticasone)
- Dymista (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate)
- Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride)
- budesonide nasal inhaler (Rhinocort Allergy, Rhinocort Aqua)
- ipratropium
- Side Effects of Flovent (fluticasone propionate) oral inhaler
- Beconase AQ (beclomethasone) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- Spiriva
- cocaine
- Nasal Allergy Medications
- beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler-spray
- Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate)
- flunisolide nasal spray, Aerospan (Nasalide, Aerobid, Aerobid HFA are discontinued)
- brompheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
- Cutivate (fluticasone propionate)
- ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone propionate inhalation powder)

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