
Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication used to treat symptoms related to an overactive immune response from various conditions like allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is available in several forms, including nasal spray, oral inhalation, and topical treatments. While fluticasone is a popular medication, with over 22 million prescriptions in the United States in 2022, it has been associated with certain side effects, including muscle weakness and growth retardation in children. However, there is limited information on whether fluticasone decreases the final height that children will reach. Therefore, while fluticasone may have an impact on muscle weakness, it is unlikely to promote muscle growth, especially in children, due to its potential growth-inhibiting effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Form | Powder, aerosol, nasal spray, nasal drops, oral inhaler, tablet, topical |
| Medical uses | Asthma, allergic rhinitis, emphysema, atopic dermatitis, hay fever, chronic rhinosinusitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), eosinophilic esophagitis, allergies, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, mouth ulcers |
| Side effects | Runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, skin scaling, wheezing, shortness of breath, skin rash, itching, swelling of face, throat, tongue, hands, legs, feet, sex organs, nausea, vomiting, coughing, difficulty breathing, muscle pain or weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, loss of appetite, mental depression, unusual tiredness or weakness, paradoxical bronchospasm, upper respiratory tract infection or inflammation, throat irritation, oral candidiasis, lower respiratory infection, sinusitis/sinus infection, hoarseness/dysphonia, bronchitis, pneumonia, rhinitis, epistaxis, ear, nose, throat, and tonsil signs and symptoms, ear, nose, and throat polyps, asthma exacerbation, cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions, angioedema, anaphylactic reactions |
| Safety considerations | Safe medication, but may cause serious side effects in high doses or when used with other corticosteroids. Risk of slowing growth in children. Risk of adrenal gland problems with long-term use. Risk of Cushing's syndrome and adrenal insufficiency when co-administered with ritonavir or ketoconazole. |
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What You'll Learn

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication
Fluticasone is a potent corticosteroid that is a pivotal therapeutic option in the management of various respiratory and dermatological conditions. Its efficacy extends across asthma, allergic rhinitis, emphysema, and atopic dermatitis. It is also used alone or in combination with other medications to treat symptoms of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Oral fluticasone is Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat asthma and has an off-label use for COPD and eosinophilic esophagitis. Inhaled fluticasone is FDA-approved as a maintenance/controller drug in asthma.
Fluticasone nasal spray is designed to provide a certain number of sprays. It treats allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a runny or stuffy nose. It helps users breathe easier by reducing inflammation in the nose. A common brand of fluticasone is Flonase®. It belongs to a group of medications called nasal steroids.
Side effects from fluticasone may depend on the form, dose, and the individual. They may range from a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes to skin scaling, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The risk of side effects is higher with oral or injectable corticosteroids. If a child is taking fluticasone, the doctor will monitor their growth as there is a risk that corticosteroids may slow growth in children with regular use.
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It is used to treat asthma and allergies
Fluticasone is a potent corticosteroid used to treat asthma and allergies. It is available in several forms, including oral, nasal, topical, and inhaled. The route of administration depends on the patient's diagnosis and the specific condition being treated.
When used to treat asthma, fluticasone is typically administered through oral inhalation. It is a maintenance/controller drug in asthma, which means it is used to manage the condition over the long term rather than providing immediate relief during an asthma attack. Fluticasone helps to reduce inflammation and improve lung function in people with asthma, making it easier to breathe. It is important to note that fluticasone should not be used during an asthma attack, and patients should have a separate fast-acting inhaler prescribed for such emergencies.
Fluticasone is also effective in treating allergies, particularly allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. It can be administered nasally, such as in the form of a nasal spray, to treat symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Topical fluticasone may also be used to treat skin conditions associated with allergies, such as eczema or psoriasis. Corticosteroids help calm skin reactions, including redness, itching, scaling, and irritation.
While fluticasone is a popular and effective medication, it is important to be aware of potential side effects. These may include a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, skin scaling, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In rare cases, fluticasone may also lead to more serious issues, such as nasal erosions, ulcerations, and septal perforations. Prolonged use or higher doses of fluticasone may result in hypercorticism, adrenal suppression, and decreased bone mineral density. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine the appropriate form, dosage, and duration of treatment for each individual's specific needs.
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It can be administered orally, nasally, or topically
Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication used to treat symptoms related to an overactive immune response from various conditions like allergies and asthma. It is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and allergic rhinitis. It is available in several forms, including oral, nasal, and topical.
Oral fluticasone is FDA-approved to treat asthma and has an off-label use for COPD and eosinophilic esophagitis. Inhaled fluticasone is also FDA-approved as a maintenance/controller drug in asthma. The dosage and strength depend on the form of fluticasone, and your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information on specific brands and usage instructions.
Fluticasone nasal spray is commonly used to prevent and treat allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps. It is also used in the mouth for mouth ulcers. The nasal spray works by blocking the allergic reaction in the nose, thus relieving symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. It is important to use the nasal spray correctly, as incorrect use can impact its effectiveness and lead to side effects.
Fluticasone propionate in topical form can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. Topical products require proper hand washing before and after applying the medication. It is important to note that the risk of side effects may be greater with topical fluticasone if the skin is thin or damaged.
In summary, fluticasone is a versatile medication that can be administered orally, nasally, or topically, depending on the patient's diagnosis and specific needs. Each route of administration has its own indications, dosage, and potential side effects, which should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
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It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects
Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication used to treat symptoms related to an overactive immune response from various conditions like allergies and asthma. It is available in generic and brand-name, over-the-counter (OTC), and prescription forms. Fluticasone propionate, a type of fluticasone, is a glucocorticoid steroid medication. When inhaled, it is used for the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the nose, it is used for hay fever and nasal polyps. It can also be used for mouth ulcers. It works by decreasing inflammation.
Fluticasone propionate has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. It is more lipophilic than beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and budesonide, and binds more avidly to human lung tissue. It has an absolute affinity (KD) of 0.5 nM for the glucocorticoid receptor. Pretreatment with fluticasone propionate significantly inhibits the increase in mast cell numbers in the nasal mucosa of rats chronically exposed to toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) and suppresses TDI-induced mast cell degranulation. It is more potent in vitro than dexamethasone, BDP, and budesonide in inhibiting anti-CD3-induced human T-lymphocyte proliferation, in attenuating tumour necrosis factor-alpha-induced endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression, and in increasing secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor levels in airway epithelial cells.
Fluticasone propionate is also more potent and longer-acting than other corticosteroids in inhibiting oedema formation, interleukin-5 (IL-5)-induced blood eosinophilia, and IL-5- or platelet-activating factor-stimulated eosinophil accumulation in the lung. It has increased intrinsic glucocorticoid potency and high topical anti-inflammatory activity. Fluticasone also directly increases β-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle and decreases mucus gland secretions. This corticosteroid also increases the anti-inflammatory effects of annexin-1, secretory leukoprotease inhibitor (SLPI), mitogen-activated kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper protein (GILZ), and I-kappa B-alpha and inhibitor of NF-kappa B.
Fluticasone is a versatile agent within the pharmacological arsenal. Its efficacy extends across asthma, allergic rhinitis, emphysema, and atopic dermatitis. It is a pivotal therapeutic option in the management of various respiratory and dermatological conditions.
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It may cause side effects such as nausea and muscle pain
Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication used to treat symptoms related to an overactive immune response from various conditions like allergies and asthma. It is available in several different forms, including oral, nasal, topical, and inhaled. The dosage and strength depend on the form of fluticasone.
Like all medications, fluticasone may cause side effects in some people. The side effects of fluticasone may depend on the form, dose, and individual. Common side effects include a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, skin scaling, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Some people may also experience nausea and muscle pain or weakness.
Nausea is a common side effect of fluticasone, affecting 1% to 10% of people. It can be unpleasant and may cause discomfort, but it is usually not serious. If you experience nausea while taking fluticasone, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and eat small, frequent meals or snacks to help alleviate the nausea. If the nausea is persistent or interferes with your daily activities, be sure to consult your healthcare provider for further advice and recommendations.
Muscle pain or weakness is another potential side effect of fluticasone. This side effect is also relatively common, occurring in 1% to 10% of people. It can manifest as general aches and pains, muscle injury, musculoskeletal pain, or back pain. If you experience muscle pain while taking fluticasone, it is advisable to rest and refrain from strenuous physical activity. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may also help alleviate muscle pain. However, if the muscle pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.
It is important to note that the risk of side effects may be higher with oral or injected corticosteroids compared to topical, nasal, or inhaled forms. Additionally, using too much fluticasone or using it for an extended period may increase the risk of adrenal gland problems and other serious side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and use the medication exactly as directed. If you experience any bothersome or persistent side effects, including nausea and muscle pain, be sure to consult your healthcare provider for appropriate advice and management.
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Frequently asked questions
Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication used to treat symptoms related to an overactive immune response from various conditions like allergies and asthma. It is available in generic and brand-name, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms.
Side effects from fluticasone may depend on the form, dose, and the individual. They may include a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, skin scaling, wheezing, shortness of breath, headaches, upper respiratory tract infection, and nausea.
The safety of fluticasone use in children under 4 years of age has not been determined. There is a risk that corticosteroids may slow growth in children with regular use. If your child is taking fluticasone, a doctor will monitor their growth.
Fluticasone is a versatile medication used to treat a wide range of respiratory and dermatological conditions. It is effective in managing asthma, allergic rhinitis, emphysema, and atopic dermatitis. It is also used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rashes.











































