Fluticasone (Flonase, Flovent) Drug for Asthma: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Fluticasone
(Flonase and Flovent, United States and Canada; Flixonase and Flixotide, Europe)

Use:

Fluticasone, Flonase or Flovent is used to reduce inflammation in airways. As a nasal spray it is used for rhinitis or inflammation of the nose. As an inhaler it is used for breathing problems like asthma.

How It Works:

Fluticasone, Flonase or Flovent is a steroid which reduces the inflammation of nasal passages or bronchial tissue. By reducing the inflammation, Fluticasone, Flonase or Flovent makes breathing easier.

Side Effects:

Fluticasone, Flonase or Flovent is as effective as other inhaled steroids for airway problems, but because less of it is absorbed into the rest of the body, fewer side effects are seen.
With the nasal spray, drying of the nose and an increase in the incident of nose bleeds occurs.

Cautions for People:

If other steroid nasal sprays or inhalers have not worked, people might try a Fluticasone, Flonase or Flovent product. However, anyone who has a problem with inhaled steroids or has difficulty in operating an inhaler should avoid Fluticasone, Flonase or Flovent's use.

Drug Interactions:

Being a steroid, the Fluticasone, Flonase or Flovent inhaler can produce and/or worsen yeast infections in the mouth. Use with other steroid inhalers compounds this problem.

Further Reading:

Med Letter 1995;37:5
Drugs 1994;47:318

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.