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What Is Fluticasone?

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid used to treat various conditions. When formulated as a nasal spray, it’s primarily used to address symptoms related to rhinitis. As an inhaler, it’s used for the management and prevention of asthma symptoms.

The medication functions by interacting with steroid receptors, reducing inflammation in targeted areas.

Fluticasone can be found under multiple brand names. For instance:

• Flonase: A nasal spray for rhinitis.
• Flovent: An inhaler for asthma.
• Xhance: Another nasal spray primarily designed for nasal polyps, but also used for rhinitis.

Each of these brands contains the active ingredient, fluticasone propionate, but they serve different therapeutic purposes.

How Does Fluticasone Work?

The main function of Fluticasone is to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses. As a corticosteroid, it targets the glucocorticoid receptors, which are responsible for triggering the release of substances causing typical allergy symptoms. This leads to irritation in the nasal passageways and sinuses, resulting in a stuffy nose, itching, sneezing, etc.

Stopping the release of substances triggering allergy symptoms ensures that the sinuses no longer become irritated and inflamed. In turn, it is easier to breathe and your allergy symptoms are heavily decreased.

What Is Fluticasone Used For?

Fluticasone when used as a nasal spray is largely used to treat allergies affecting the nose and sinuses. This can include seasonal allergies, dust mite allergies, pet allergies, and so on. It will target some of the main symptoms experienced when suffering from these allergies, such as:

• Sneezing
• Itchy nose
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Nasal inflammation
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes

It is also common for Fluticasone to be prescribed for any symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. The symptoms may be similar to those above, only they are not caused by allergies.

In some cases, doctors may use this medication to treat nasal polyps too. Nasal polyps are small lesions that grow on the inside of the nose and cause the passageways to swell and become restricted. Fluticasone is used to decrease the swelling and size of these polyps, preventing them from getting too restrictive and impacting a person’s breathing.

One important note on the use of Fluticasone is that it will not be prescribed to treat rhinitis symptoms caused by a cold or flu. Corticosteroid medications specifically target symptoms and reactions caused by allergens in the air, while a common cold/flu is a virus.

What Are the Side Effects of Fluticasone?

Using Fluticasone nasal spray may cause a series of side effects. Make a note of any that occur after using this nasal spray and inform your doctor if they get worse or do not fade away.

Common side effects of Fluticasone include:

• Mild nasal bleeding
• Mild nasal irritation
• Dryness in the nasal passageways
• Mild headache
• Mild dizziness
• Mild nausea
• Mild diarrhea

These side effects are likely to go away after you’ve used this nasal spray a handful of times. Again, if they worsen or last for longer than a couple of weeks, consult your doctor immediately.

Furthermore, severe and rare side effects of Fluticasone include:

• Pain in your face
• A high fever
• Hives or a rash on your skin
• Swelling around your nose and face
• A hoarse voice & sore throat
• Breathing/swallowing difficulty
• Wheezing
• Extreme dizziness
• Whistling from the nose
• Thick nasal discharge

Should any of these symptoms arise, you must contact a medical professional as soon as possible. They could indicate a bad reaction to the medication, or perhaps that you are taking too high of a dose. Stop taking Fluticasone until a doctor has given you the all-clear to continue using it again.

How to Take Fluticasone?

Fluticasone will be usable as a liquid nasal spray. It comes in a small bottle with each spray administering a specific dose of the medication. While most bottles administer the same dose in each spray, it’s important to speak to your doctor before taking this drug. They will inform you of the recommended dosage, so you do not take too much or too little.

Taking this medication is very straightforward. Read the informational pamphlet that comes with the spray bottle to understand the correct way to store, clean, and use the nasal spray. Then, remove the plastic cap and insert the tip of the spray into your nostril. Be sure to insert it far enough so the spray goes deep into the nasal cavity and doesn’t drain out.

Press down on the spray (use the recommended dose set by your doctor, which will indicate how many sprays you do) and inhale lightly. Clean the tip of the spray using soapy water and make sure you avoid blowing your nose for 10 minutes after administering the medication.

Do not share your nasal spray with someone else as this can lead to infections.

Speak to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse. They can prescribe a higher dose of Fluticasone, or find a suitable alternative medication.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fluticasone 

Who Should Not Take Fluticasone?

Fluticasone is generally safe to use by the general population, but it should not be used on those with specific health conditions. If you have a weakened immune system, have a viral infection in the nasal passageways, have liver problems, or are taking other nasal spray medications, you should first consult with a medical professional before taking Fluticasone.

Also, consult with a doctor if you have a history of:

• Diabetes
• Sores or ulcers inside your nose
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Recent nasal injuries or surgeries
• Fungal or bacterial infections

What Is the Most Common Side Effect of Fluticasone?

The most common side effect of Fluticasone nasal spray is nasal irritation. Other common side effects include:

• Nosebleeds
• Headache
• Nasal Congestion
• Dryness in the Nasal Passages
• Nausea
• Cough

The list above is not exhaustive and side effects vary among individuals. Speak to a medical professional if your symptoms persist or worsen.

What to Avoid While Taking Fluticasone?

When taking Fluticasone you should avoid the following:

• Avoid using other nasal sprays, such as decongestants or antihistamines.
• Avoid contact with people who have the flu or common cold.
• Avoid any form of contact sport which may cause nosebleeds that will be made worse by taking Fluticasone.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Avoid certain other medications like other corticosteroids.

The list above is not exhaustive, You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice on what else to avoid while taking Fluticasone.

Can You Buy Fluticasone Over-The-Counter (OTC)?

Yes, Fluticasone is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and through a prescription. For example “Flonase Allergy Relief” and its generic versions are available OTC in the U.S.

If you’re considering using fluticasone, even the OTC version, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s appropriate for your symptoms and to receive guidance on proper usage.

For more detailed information about fluticasone, you can refer to the following sources:

• Flonase (fluticasone) prescription label, Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Flonase, Drugs.com.
• Fluticasone, MedlinePlus.

The content on this page has been medically reviewed for accuracy and comprehensiveness by Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC