Fluticasone propionate nasal spray (Flonase)

What fluticasone propionate is and how it works

Fluticasone propionate nasal spray is a corticosteroid nasal spray used to relieve nasal allergy symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and a runny or itchy nose, caused by hay fever and other allergic rhinitis. (1) (2)

Use fluticasone propionate nasal spray exactly as directed on the label or by your prescriber, at the same time each day. It works best when used regularly during the allergy season, and it may take a day or two of regular use before you notice the full benefit.

Mechanism of action: how fluticasone propionate works

Fluticasone propionate is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid with potent local anti-inflammatory activity on nasal mucosa and negligible systemic bioavailability when administered intranasally at recommended doses, due to extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism of any swallowed portion. (1) (2)

What fluticasone propionate is used for

Before taking fluticasone propionate

Do not take / not appropriate for

• Do not use in children under 4 years of age. (United States) (1)
• Do not use if you have recently had nasal surgery or an unhealed nasal injury, until your clinician confirms it is safe to resume. (all countries) (1)
• Do not use if you have had a serious allergic reaction to fluticasone propionate or any ingredient in the product. (all countries) (1) (2)

Tell your clinician about

• Any history of glaucoma, cataracts, or recent changes in vision.
• Recent or upcoming nasal surgery, or a history of nasal septal injury.
• Any recent exposure to chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis, especially if you have not previously had these infections.
• All other medicines you take, especially ritonavir or other strong CYP3A4-inhibiting medicines (some HIV medicines, ketoconazole, itraconazole).
• Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

How to take fluticasone propionate

• Shake the bottle gently before use and prime the pump if using for the first time or after a break, following the package instructions.
• Blow your nose gently before use, then spray into each nostril while pointing away from the centre of the nose.
• Use at the same time each day for the most consistent benefit.
• Avoid spraying directly onto the nasal septum (the middle wall between the nostrils).

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember and then continue with your usual daily schedule. Do not use extra sprays to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

Accidental swallowing of a small amount, or occasional extra sprays, is unlikely to cause serious harm, but contact a pharmacist, prescriber, or poison control if you are concerned, especially after repeated excessive use over time. (1)

Side effects

Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.

Serious warnings

Interactions

• Ritonavir and other strong CYP3A4-inhibiting medicines (such as ketoconazole or itraconazole) can significantly increase the amount of fluticasone propionate absorbed into the body, raising the risk of corticosteroid side effects -- this combination is generally best avoided and should be discussed with a prescriber. (1) (2)
• Other corticosteroid medicines (oral, inhaled, or topical) taken at the same time may add to overall corticosteroid exposure -- tell your prescriber about all steroid medicines you use. (1)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Monitoring

Before starting

• Confirm no recent nasal surgery or unhealed nasal injury.
• Review other steroid medicines and any strong CYP3A4 inhibitors being taken.

During treatment

• Watch for whistling nasal sounds, crusting, or unusual/severe nosebleeds.
• Growth monitoring in children on long-term daily use.
• Review with a prescriber if symptoms have not improved after about a week, or if use continues beyond the label's guidance on duration.

Storage

Store at 4-30C (39-86F) in the US label, or below 30C per the UK SmPC. Shake gently before use. Do not use after the expiration date.

Frequently asked questions

References

1. FLONASE ALLERGY RELIEF (fluticasone propionate) nasal spray -- Drug Facts / prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed (NIH), full prescribing/OTC drug facts information, Haleon/GSK Consumer Healthcare · United States · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 1
2. Flixonase Aqueous Nasal Spray -- Summary of Product Characteristicselectronic medicines compendium (emc), United Kingdom -- GlaxoSmithKline/Haleon · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 2
3. Fluticasone propionate -- list of nationally authorised medicinal products (PSUSA/00001454/202202)European Medicines Agency (EMA) -- PSUSA list of nationally authorised medicinal products · European Union · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 3
4. FLONASE Allergy Relief (fluticasone propionate) Product Monograph, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare ULCHealth Canada product monograph (Drug Product Database) · Canada · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 4
5. FLIXONASE ALLERGY & HAYFEVER 24 HOUR fluticasone propionate 50ug/actuation aqueous nasal spray -- ARTG entryTherapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia · Australia · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 5
6. FLIXONASE 24 Hour Nasal Spray -- New Zealand Data SheetMedsafe (New Zealand regulator) · New Zealand · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 6

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient fluticasone propionate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries