Fluticasone
Pronunciation: (floo-TIK-uh-sone).
- Generic name
- Fluticasone
- Brand names
- Avamys, Flomist, Flovent, Flohale, Cutivate, Flonase
- Drug class
- Corticosteroid (Glucocorticoid)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Fluticasone is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Fluticasone works
Fluticasone is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory activity. It binds to glucocorticoid receptors in target tissues, inhibiting the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes and cytokines, reducing the recruitment of inflammatory cells, and suppressing the immune response. This leads to decreased inflammation, edema, and mucus production in the airways or skin. (1)
What Fluticasone is used for
Asthma (maintenance/prophylactic treatment, inhaled)
FDA-labeled indication for inhaled forms is maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy. Not a rescue medication for sudden asthma symptoms.
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever, nasal spray)
Used regularly to relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms.
Corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions (topical)
Topical creams/ointments used for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Before taking Fluticasone
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to fluticasone or excipients, and in those with untreated local infections (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal, viral, or bacterial infections). (Contraindication)
Tell your clinician about
How to take Fluticasone
- General Instructions: Use fluticasone exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed recommended doses. For best results, use at the same time each day.. Adult Dosing: Nasal spray: 1–2 sprays in each nostril once daily. Inhaler: 100–500 mcg twice daily (asthma, dose individualized). Topical: Apply a thin layer to affected area 1–2 times daily.. Pediatric Dosing: Nasal spray: 1 spray in each nostril once daily (children ≥4 years). Inhaler: Dose varies by age and severity; follow pediatrician's instructions. Topical: Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.. Administration: Shake nasal sprays or inhalers before use. Rinse mouth after inhaled doses to reduce risk of oral thrush. Wash hands after applying topical forms.. When To Stop: Do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor. Gradual dose reduction may be needed, especially after long-term use.. Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children. Do not freeze or expose inhalers to high temperatures.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not use an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
An overdose of fluticasone is unlikely to cause life-threatening symptoms but may lead to hormone imbalance (adrenal suppression) if used in excess over time. Seek medical attention if large amounts are ingested or if you experience symptoms such as severe fatigue, weakness, or fainting.
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Upper respiratory tract infection
Incidence: Up to 21%
Throat irritation
Incidence: Up to 22%
Headache
Incidence: Up to 14%
Oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush)
Incidence: Up to 13.7% with inhaled use
Hoarseness or voice changes
Incidence: Common
Runny, sore, or stuffy nose
Incidence: Common
Nausea, vomiting, cough, sinusitis, bronchitis, fever, muscle soreness
Incidence: Less common (1-10%)
White patches in the mouth (possible oral thrush), vision changes, or signs of adrenal suppression/Cushing's syndrome (unusual weight gain, severe fatigue, muscle weakness)
Incidence: Uncommon but requires evaluation
Serious warnings
Long-term use may increase risk of infections — serious
Symptoms: Long-term use may increase risk of infections. May cause adrenal suppression or Cushing's syndrome with high doses. Monitor for vision changes; risk of glaucoma and cataracts. Inhaled forms may cause oral thrush—rinse mouth after use. Use with caution in children; may affect growth with prolonged use.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to fluticasone or excipients, and in those with untreated local infections (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal, viral, or bacterial infections). Use with caution in patients with a history of glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, or immunosuppression. Monitor for adrenal suppression with prolonged use.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Serious documented interaction — serious
Symptoms: Serious documented interaction: combining fluticasone with ritonavir or other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors has caused clinically significant systemic corticosteroid effects, including Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression, in postmarketing reports and published case series (at least 25 documented cases with inhaled fluticasone, 3 with intranasal fluticasone). Ritonavir can raise fluticasone blood levels and has been shown to lower cortisol levels by as much as ~86% in studied co-administration. This combination is not recommended unless the benefit clearly outweighs this risk — tell every prescriber and pharmacist if you take ritonavir or any HIV protease inhibitor.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ritonavir and other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, other HIV protease inhibitors) | See the serious-warning entry above — this is a well-documented interaction that can cause Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you use. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
FDA Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies show potential risk and adequate, well-controlled human studies are lacking; use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential fetal risk. Intranasal fluticasone has minimal systemic absorption and observational data have not shown a significant association with congenital malformations, but a lower-systemic-exposure option is sometimes preferred when first starting therapy in pregnancy — a patient already established on fluticasone can generally continue it. Discuss with your obstetrician.
Breastfeeding
Discuss with your healthcare provider; fluticasone should be used while breastfeeding only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk, per the clinician record.
Children
Frequency: Twice daily.. Weight Based: Not established for weight-based dosing in children.. Max Daily Dose: 220 mcg for children aged 4-11 years.. Max Single Dose: 110 mcg for children aged 4-11 years.. Age Restrictions: Not recommended for pediatric use under 4 years of age. Long-term use may affect growth in children; use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and monitor growth with a pediatrician.
Renal_impairment
No dedicated renal or hepatic impairment dosing data were found in either source reviewed for this research pass. Systemic absorption is normally limited with inhaled/intranasal/topical use but increases with higher doses or prolonged use, so anyone with significant organ impairment should ask their healthcare provider before extended use.
Hepatic_impairment
No dedicated renal or hepatic impairment dosing data were found in either source reviewed for this research pass. Systemic absorption is normally limited with inhaled/intranasal/topical use but increases with higher doses or prolonged use, so anyone with significant organ impairment should ask their healthcare provider before extended use.
Monitoring
Storage
Inhaler (aerosol, e.g., HFA-type): store with the mouthpiece down; contents are under pressure — do not puncture or store near heat or an open flame. Inhalation powder: store unopened in the foil pouch in a dry place away from direct heat/sunlight; discard 30-60 days after opening depending on the formulation. Nasal spray/topical: store at room temperature away from moisture and heat; keep out of reach of children; do not freeze.
Study the drug class: Inhaled and intranasal corticosteroids
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Asthma (inhaled, maintenance therapy)
Dose summary: Inhalation: 44 mcg to 220 mcg (up to 100-500 mcg per the administration text) twice daily, individualized to asthma severity.
Renal context: No dedicated renal-impairment dosing data were found in either source reviewed for this research pass; systemic exposure is normally limited with inhaled/intranasal/topical routes. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What conditions does fluticasone treat?
Fluticasone is used to manage asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It helps reduce inflammation and allergic symptoms.
How quickly does fluticasone work?
Some people notice improvement within 12–24 hours, but full benefits may take several days to a week of regular use.
Can I use fluticasone for a sudden asthma attack?
No, fluticasone is not a rescue medication. Use a fast-acting bronchodilator (such as albuterol) for sudden asthma symptoms.
Is fluticasone safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Discuss with your doctor. Fluticasone should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
What should I do if I develop white patches in my mouth?
White patches may indicate oral thrush, a fungal infection. Contact your healthcare provider for evaluation and possible treatment.
Can children use fluticasone?
Yes, but dosing is lower and should be closely monitored by a pediatrician. Long-term use may affect growth in children.
What happens if I stop fluticasone suddenly?
Sudden discontinuation, especially after long-term use, may cause withdrawal symptoms or worsening of your condition. Always consult your doctor before stopping.
What happens if I take too much Fluticasone?
Taking too much Fluticasone, especially over an extended period, can lead to systemic corticosteroid effects such as Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression, or increased susceptibility to infections. Symptoms may include weight gain, muscle weakness, or mood changes. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services for guidance.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Fluticasone?
While there isn't a direct interaction between Fluticasone and alcohol, excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate certain side effects associated with corticosteroids, such as gastrointestinal irritation or mood disturbances. It is generally advisable to consume alcohol in moderation or discuss your drinking habits with your healthcare provider to ensure safe use of Fluticasone.
Is Fluticasone safe during pregnancy?
Fluticasone's safety during pregnancy varies depending on the formulation and individual circumstances. It is classified under a specific pregnancy category, which indicates that potential risks and benefits should be carefully weighed. Always consult your doctor or obstetrician before using Fluticasone if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby.
What is the mechanism of action of Fluticasone?
Fluticasone is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory activity. It binds to glucocorticoid receptors in target tissues, inhibiting the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes and cytokines, reducing the recruitment of inflammatory cells, and suppressing the immune response. This leads to decreased inflammation, edema, and mucus production in the airways or skin. (1)
What is the generic name of Fluticasone?
The generic name is Fluticasone. It is sold under brand names including Avamys, Flomist, Flovent, Flohale, Cutivate, Flonase.
What class of drug is Fluticasone?
Fluticasone is classed as: Corticosteroid (Glucocorticoid).
References
- Fluticasone — MedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global (internal clinician-authored record) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Fluticasone Propionate label (postmarketing interaction section) and Drugs.com dosage/side-effects pagesU.S. Food and Drug Administration (DailyMed) / Drugs.com · United States · dated 2026-08-06 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- ALLERGY RELIEF NASAL (FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE) SPRAY, METERED [AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Fluticasone Nasal Spray — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Fluticasone Propionate — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA219060)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Fluticasone — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 41126)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Fluticasone names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- FLONASE ALLERGY RELIEF27.5 ug, 50 ug · haleon us holdings llc
- FLOVENT HFA50 ug, 220 ug, 100 ug · a-s medication solutions
- XHANCE93 ug · optinose us, inc.
- Arnuity Ellipta100 ug, 50 ug, 200 ug · glaxosmithkline llc
- CHILDRENS FLONASE ALLERGY RELIEF50 ug · haleon us holdings llc
- Kirkland Signature Aller Flo50 ug · costco wholesale company
- FLUTICARE50 ug · innovus pharmaceuticals, inc.
- Welby Fluticasone50 ug · aldi inc
- 365 WHOLE FOODS MARKET FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE50 ug · whole foods market, inc.
- Nasopro 2450 ug · h e b
Canada
- FLOVENT
- ARNUITY
- FLONASE - AEM-SUS NAS
- FLONASE ALLERGY RELIEF
- AVAMYS