Fluticasone furoate, sold under the brand name Flonase Sensimist among others, is a corticosteroid for the treatment of non-allergic and allergic rhinitis administered by a nasal spray. It is also available as an inhaled corticosteroid to help prevent and control symptoms of asthma. It is derived from cortisol. Unlike fluticasone propionate, which is only approved for children four years and older, fluticasone furoate is approved in children as young as two years of age when used for allergies. It was approved for medical use in the United States in April 2007, and in the European Union in November 2008. In 2023, fluticasone was the 26th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 21 million prescriptions.
Medical uses Fluticasone furoate is indicated for the treatment of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Fluticasone furoate is a corticosteroid medication primarily used to treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and non-allergic (perennial) rhinitis. It is also indicated for the treatment of nasal polyps in adults. Additionally, fluticasone furoate nasal spray may be prescribed for the management of symptoms associated with sinusitis. Fluticasone furoate nasal spray is highly effective in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal itching. It works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and decreasing the production of mucus. Fluticasone furoate is used as a maintenance treatment for asthma in patients aged 12 years and older. It helps to reduce inflammation in the airways, which is a key component of asthma management. It helps to control symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, thereby improving the overall quality of life for individuals with asthma. Regular use of fluticasone furoate can reduce the frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations or attacks, helping to prevent serious episodes of breathing difficulty. When used as an inhaler, fluticasone furoate helps to control asthma symptoms by reducing airway inflammation and preventing asthma attacks. It is often used as a maintenance treatment to provide long-term control of asthma symptoms and improve lung function.
Available forms Inhalers: Fluticasone furoate is commonly available in the form of a dry powder inhaler (DPI) for inhalation. This inhaler is used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older. It delivers the medication directly to the lungs, where it acts to reduce inflammation and improve asthma symptoms. Adult and Paediatric dosage for - Powder inhalation 50 mcg/actuation 100 mcg/actuation 200 mcg/actuation Nasal Spray: Fluticasone furoate is also available as a nasal spray, primarily used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and runny nose. It helps to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and provides relief from allergy symptoms. Nasal Drops: In some cases, fluticasone furoate may be available as nasal drops for the treatment of nasal polyps or other specific nasal conditions. These nasal drops are applied directly into the nostrils to reduce inflammation and symptoms associated with nasal polyps.
Side effects Common side effects of fluticasone furoate nasal spray include nasal irritation, dryness, itching, and nosebleeds. These side effects are usually mild and transient. Some individuals may experience throat irritation or coughing when using fluticasone furoate inhalers. Rinsing the mouth and throat with water after inhalation can help reduce these symptoms. Headache is another common side effect reported with the use of fluticasone furoate nasal spray or inhalers. It is usually mild and resolves with continued use. In rare cases, fluticasone furoate may cause more serious side effects, such as adrenal suppression, glaucoma, cataracts, or growth retardation in children. These side effects are more likely to occur with long-term, high-dose use, although they are still rare.
Serious side effects of fluticasone furoate include:
hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, white patches in the mouth or the tongue, fever, chills, persistent sore throat, mood changes, depression, mood swings, agitation, vision problems, increased thirst or urination, easy bruising or bleeding, bone pain, and severe wheezing
Interactions Fluticasone furoate has serious interactions with the following drugs:
Abametapir Apalutamide Fexinidazole Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir (DSC) Tucatinib Fluticasone Furoate has moderate interactions with at least 45 other drugs.
Toxicity The toxicity of fluticasone furoate is primarily associated with excessive or prolonged use, especially at high doses. While fluticasone furoate is generally considered safe when used according to prescribed guidelines, long-term or improper use can lead to various adverse effects.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of action The mechanism of action of fluticasone furoate, like other corticosteroids, involves its binding to glucocorticoid receptors within cells.
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