fluticasone propionate at a glance
Medicine class
Corticosteroid with local anti-inflammatory activity.
Available forms
Selected products include a pressurised inhaler, nasal spray, single-use nasal drops, cream and ointment.
What is fluticasone propionate used for?
Selected products are licensed for different routes and conditions and are not interchangeable.
Preventing asthma symptoms with the selected pressurised inhaler.
Preventing and treating allergic rhinitis, including hay-fever symptoms, with the selected nasal spray.
Treating nasal polyps and associated nasal obstruction with the selected nasal drops.
Relieving corticosteroid-responsive inflammatory skin disorders, including eczema, selected forms of psoriasis, lichen planus and contact sensitivity reactions. Product-specific indications and age limits differ.
How does fluticasone propionate work?
It activates glucocorticoid receptors and suppresses inflammatory signalling. This reduces inflammation in the lungs and reduces swelling and irritation in the nose. On skin, it reduces inflammation, itching and redness. Systemic exposure is usually limited with correct local use but can rise with extensive or prolonged exposure or strong CYP3A inhibitors.
fluticasone propionate preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 0.05%
Ointment
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 0.005%
Nasal preparation
Route: Nasal
Strengths: 400 micrograms, 1 mg/mL, 0.05%
How to take fluticasone propionate
Use only by the route shown on the label and follow the product leaflet or instructions from a healthcare professional.
Inhaler: shake and coordinate actuation with breathing through the mouth. Have technique checked and use a spacer if advised. Rinse the mouth or brush the teeth afterwards.
Nasal spray: shake gently and prime until a fine mist appears when required. Aim away from the nasal septum, wipe the nozzle and replace the cap.
Nasal drops: mix the suspension and use the head position shown in the leaflet. Avoid the eyes and broken skin, and discard the opened single-use container.
Cream or ointment: apply to affected skin and wash your hands afterwards unless treating them. Ointment is particularly suited to dry, thickened or scaly lesions.
fluticasone propionate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Inhaled: oral thrush, sore or dry throat and hoarse voice.
- Nasal: nosebleeds, nasal or throat dryness and irritation, headache, and unpleasant taste or smell.
- Skin: itching or local burning.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty.
- Immediate worsening of wheeze after inhalation.
- Symptoms of adrenal suppression, particularly with substantial exposure or interacting medicines.
- Blurred vision or other visual changes.
- Nasal ulceration or septal damage.
- With intensive skin use: marked thinning, stretch marks, worsening disease, infection or a significant withdrawal reaction.
fluticasone propionate in pregnancy
Inhaled and intranasal fluticasone can be used during pregnancy when clinically needed; maintaining asthma control is important. For skin preparations, a prescriber should weigh the expected benefit against possible fetal risk, particularly with extensive use.
fluticasone propionate while breastfeeding
Inhaled, intranasal and skin-applied fluticasone can generally be used while breastfeeding because maternal systemic exposure is expected to be small. Avoid direct infant contact with treated skin and wash your hands after application. Seek professional advice before applying it to the breast and remove it before feeding.
fluticasone propionate interactions
Interactions are most important when medicines increase systemic fluticasone exposure or add to the total corticosteroid burden.
Ritonavir or cobicistat
Strong CYP3A inhibition can greatly increase fluticasone exposure and cause Cushing's syndrome or adrenal suppression. Combinations should generally be avoided unless specifically assessed and monitored.
Potent azole antifungals, including itraconazole or ketoconazole
These may increase systemic fluticasone exposure and corticosteroid adverse effects, especially during longer co-treatment.
Common questions about fluticasone propionate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is fluticasone propionate a steroid?
Yes. It is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, not an anabolic steroid.
Is the inhaler a reliever inhaler?
No. The selected inhaler prevents asthma symptoms and does not relieve a sudden attack.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.