Fluticasone propionate
Description
Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid, a medication used to treat inflammation (redness and swelling). This medicine is used to relieve symptoms associated with asthma (a condition in which your airways becomes narrow and swollen, causing difficulty in breathing) and allergic rhinitis (allergic reaction causing sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes) in adults and children above 4 years of age. This medicine is available in different forms (cream/lotion, nasal spray, and inhaler).
Fluticasone propionate works by inhibiting certain cells like mast cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages responsible for causing redness and swelling. Also, it blocks the release of histamine (chemicals causing allergic reactions).
Fluticasone propionate shows some common side effects like dryness and irritation of the nose and throat, unpleasant taste or smell, headache, fever, nose bleeding etc. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects bother you or persist for a long time. Fluticasone propionate can impair your immune system, increasing your risk of getting an infection or worsening an infection you currently have or recently had. Hence, maintain proper hygiene and keep a distance from people who are sick or have infections.
Fluticasone propionate should be used as per your doctor’s prescription. The dose, duration and form will depend on the condition you are being treated for. Before using Fluticasone propionate, you should inform your doctor if you have heart, kidney, liver or eye conditions, infections like tuberculosis, or other medical conditions. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Fluticasone propionate
- Dryness and irritation of the nose and throat
- Headache
- Unpleasant taste
- Nose bleed
- Allergic Skin Reaction
- Difficulty in breathing
Uses of Fluticasone propionate
What is it prescribed for?
- Asthma
- Allergic rhinitis
- Inflammatory skin conditions
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time taken by Fluticasone propionate to show its effect may vary depending on the dosage form, strength of medicine, and condition it is indicated for. However, adults often get relieved from symptoms within 12–48 hours of starting treatment and children usually experience relief within 36 hours.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Fluticasone propionate remains effective is subject to vary based on the dose strength, the form of administration, and individual constitution.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Fluticasone propionate.
- Usage in pregnancy?Steroids like Fluticasone propionate are usually not recommended for use during pregnancy as they may cause harm to your foetus. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Fluticasone propionate is usually not recommended in nursing mothers. It is not known whether this medicine is excreted in human breast milk. Hence, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
Fluticasone propionate is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to fluticasone, corticosteroids, or any other ingredients present along with it. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like itching, swelling (face, lips), redness, and shortness of breath.
Status asthmaticus
A severe asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatment is known as status asthmaticus. Fluticasone propionate is not recommended for the primary treatment of asthma or other acute episodes of asthma where intensive measures are needed.
Nasal injury or Surgery
The nasal spray form of Fluticasone propionate is not recommended for use if you have undergone nasal surgery or have a nasal injury that is not completely healed. It may cause irritation and burning sensation when applied to the affected area.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Steroids like Fluticasone propionate are usually not recommended for use during pregnancy as they may cause harm to your foetus. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Fluticasone propionate is usually not recommended in nursing mothers. It is not known whether this medicine is excreted in human breast milk. Hence, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Growth retardation
Fluticasone propionate may cause growth retardation in some children when used for a long duration. Therefore, monitor your child's growth parameter while he/she is on treatment with this medicine.
Visual disturbance
Fluticasone propionate may cause blurred vision or other visual disturbances. Report any such symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on your clinical condition.
Nosebleed and nasal ulceration
Fluticasone propionate may cause nosebleeds and nasal ulcerations (sores in the nose). Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on your clinical condition.
Candida infection
Fluticasone propionate may lead to Candida infection (a fungal infection usually found on the skin, nasal and oral mucosa). Take Fluticasone propionate with caution if you are using it for a prolonged period of time. Inform your doctor if you notice any white lesion on your tongue, inner cheek and red patches between your finger and toenails, etc.
Missed Dose
Inhaler/Nasal spray: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Topical forms: If you have missed a dose of Fluticasone propionate, then use it as soon as you can, but if it is almost the time for the second dose then skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose as it can lead to toxicity.
Overdose
If you have used/applied more than the prescribed dose of Fluticasone propionate, seek immediate medical attention.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Clarithromycin
Ketoconazole
Ritonavir
Mibefradil
Disease interactions
Hyperadrenocorticism
Hyperadrenocorticism is high levels of adrenal hormones in your body. The nasal form of Fluticasone propionate may be absorbed into your blood circulation if used in high doses. It is recommended that you use the lowest effective dosage to prevent complications like menstrual irregularities, pimples, etc.
Infections
Fluticasone propionate should be used with extreme caution if you have latent or active infections. This medicine can suppress your immune system and may worsen your condition. This risk is especially high if you are on high doses of this medicine for a prolonged period. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your clinical condition.
Ocular herpes infection
Ocular herpes simplex is an eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Fluticasone propionate should be used with caution if you have an ocular herpes infection. This medicine can damage the cornea (outer layer of your eye) and may worsen your condition. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your clinical condition.
Ocular Toxicities
Fluticasone propionate should be used with extreme caution if you have a history of cataract (a hazy layer that forms on the eye lens), glaucoma (an eye condition that damages your optic nerve). This medicine when used for a prolonged period of time may increase your intraocular pressure (high pressure inside the eye, caused by an imbalance in the production and drainage of fluid in the eye). Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your clinical condition.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones become weak and brittle. Fluticasone propionate should be used with caution if you have osteoporosis. Prolonged use of this medicine may cause loss of bone density and may further worsen your existing condition. Your bone density needs to be closely monitored during treatment with this medicine. Your doctor will make appropriate changes to your doses or suggest replacement with a suitable alternative based on your clinical condition.
Diabetes
Fluticasone propionate may alter the blood sugar levels if you have diabetes (increased blood sugar levels). Your blood sugar levels need to be closely monitored during treatment with this medicine. Your doctor will suggest a replacement with a suitable alternative based on your clinical condition.
Diaper rash
The topical form of Fluticasone propionate should not be applied to diaper rashes since it may cause burning and itching on the affected area. Replacement with a suitable alternative should be considered under your doctor's supervision.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Inhaler/Nasal spray: Use this medicine exactly as advised by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Topical forms: Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area as instructed by your doctor. Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Do not apply in larger or smaller quantities than recommended. Do not cover the application area with bandages or other coverings unless specifically instructed by your doctor. Contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve or resolve after 2 weeks of use.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Fluticasone propionate works by inhibiting certain cells causing redness and swelling (mast cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages) as well as by blocking the release of chemicals causing allergic reactions (histamine).
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Inhaled corticosteroids, Nasal steroids, Topical Corticosteroids
Schedule
Schedule H
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Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE- fluticasone propionate cream. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 12 August 2021].
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Information on this page was last updated on 21 Oct 2021
Disclaimer
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