fluticasone furoate at a glance
Medicine class
Intranasal corticosteroid
Licensed use
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis in adults and children aged 6 years and over
Time to benefit
Some improvement may occur within the first day, but maximum benefit can take several days
Food and drink
Food does not affect a nasal spray
What is fluticasone furoate used for?
It is licensed to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including nasal blockage, itching, sneezing and discharge.
Licensed for adults, adolescents and children aged 6 years and over.
How does fluticasone furoate work?
It binds strongly to glucocorticoid receptors and suppresses inflammation in the nasal lining. Systemic exposure is usually very low because absorption is limited and absorbed fluticasone furoate undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism.
fluticasone furoate preparations and strengths
Nasal preparation
Route: Nasal
Strengths: 27.5 micrograms
How to take fluticasone furoate
Use only inside the nose and follow the product leaflet or prescriber's instructions. Correct technique helps the spray work effectively.
Shake the device before use and prime it until a fine mist appears when required.
Gently clear the nose, keep the device upright and tilt the head slightly forward.
Breathe in gently through the nose while releasing the spray, then breathe out through the mouth.
Clean the device after use and replace the cap.
fluticasone furoate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nosebleeds
- Headache
- Nasal ulceration
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis or angioedema
- Breathing difficulty or bronchospasm
- Nasal septum perforation or significant nasal injury
- Blurred vision or other visual disturbance
- Systemic corticosteroid effects, including adrenal suppression, particularly with excessive exposure or interacting medicines
fluticasone furoate in pregnancy
Nasal fluticasone can be used during pregnancy because very little reaches the bloodstream. However, direct pregnancy data are limited, so discuss the benefits and potential risks with a prescriber or pharmacist.
fluticasone furoate while breastfeeding
Intranasal fluticasone is considered compatible with breastfeeding because transfer into milk is expected to be negligible. This guidance applies to full-term, healthy infants; seek specialist advice if the infant is premature or unwell, or several medicines are being used.
fluticasone furoate interactions
Interactions mainly arise when other medicines increase fluticasone exposure or add to the total corticosteroid burden.
Ritonavir
Concomitant use is not recommended because systemic fluticasone exposure and corticosteroid adverse effects may increase.
Cobicistat-containing medicines
These can increase systemic corticosteroid exposure; avoid the combination unless benefit outweighs risk and monitor if used.
Potent CYP3A inhibitors, including ketoconazole or itraconazole
They may reduce fluticasone metabolism and increase systemic corticosteroid effects.
Common questions about fluticasone furoate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How quickly does fluticasone furoate nasal spray work?
It may begin helping within the first day, but the full effect commonly develops over several days.
What should I do if it causes nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds are recognised and usually mild. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber for advice if they persist, become troublesome or occur with sores or nasal damage.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.