What is fluticasone propionate oral inhaler, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Fluticasone propionate is a man-made steroid
of the glucocorticoid family which is related to the naturally-occurring steroid
hormone, cortisol or hydrocortisone, produced by the adrenal glands.
Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as an
inhaler, fluticasone travels to the airways in the lung. In asthmatic patients,
the suppression of inflammation within the airways reduces the spasm of muscle
cells that surround the airways as well as the accumulation of fluid and cells
that accompanies the inflammation which lead to narrowing of the airways. The
narrowing makes it difficult to get air into and out of the lungs. When used in
lower doses, very little fluticasone is absorbed into the body. When higher
doses are used, fluticasone is absorbed and may cause side effects elsewhere in
the body. The FDA approved fluticasone in March 1996.
What brand names are available for fluticasone propionate oral inhaler?
Flovent Diskus, Flovent HFA
Is fluticasone propionate oral inhaler available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
Do I need a prescription for fluticasone propionate oral inhaler?
Yes
What are the side effects of fluticasone propionate oral inhaler?
The most common side effects of fluticasone are:
- headache,
- upper respiratory infections,
- throat irritation,
- nasal congestion,
- nasal discharge, and
- hoarseness or difficulty speaking.
Fluticasone may also
cause bronchospasms (wheezing). Bronchospasms should be treated with a rescue
inhaler.
Oral candidiasis or thrush (a fungal infection) may occur.
High doses
of inhaled fluticasone may decrease formation and increase break-down of bone
thereby weakening bones and promoting
fractures.
Higher doses of fluticasone
also may suppress the body's ability to make its own natural glucocorticoid in
the adrenal gland. People with suppression of their adrenal glands (which can be
diagnosed by a testing performed by doctors) need increased amounts of
glucocorticoids, probably by the oral or intravenous route, during periods of
high physical stress when glucocorticoids are particularly important.
Inhaled steroids may suppress growth, weaken the immune system, and may increase the
risk of glaucoma (increased eye pressure), and cataracts.
What is the dosage for fluticasone propionate oral inhaler?
Doses vary from patient to patient.
The recommended dose for
the aerosol is 88 to 440 mcg twice daily.
The recommended dose for the Diskhaler
is 100 to 1000 mcg twice daily. Following administration, the mouth should be
rinsed thoroughly with water or mouthwash to minimize dry mouth, irritation of
the throat, and hoarseness.
The aerosol inhaler must be cleaned at least once a
week.
If a bronchodilator aerosol spray (a spray that causes the airways to
expand), for example, albuterol (Proventil; Ventolin), is used, it should be
used first, and then 5-15 minutes later fluticasone should be used.
Which drugs or supplements interact with fluticasone propionate oral inhaler?
Ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz),
clarithromycin (Biaxin), indinavir (Crixivan), itraconazole (Sporanox),
ketoconazole, nelfinavir (Viracept), and telithromycin (Ketek) may increase
levels of fluticasone in the body by reducing the breakdown of fluticasone by
liver enzymes. This may increase side effects of fluticasone.
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Is fluticasone propionate oral inhaler safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Adequate studies of fluticasone during
pregnancy have not
been done. Fluticasone use during pregnancy should be avoided unless the
potential benefit justifies the potential but unknown risk to the fetus.
It is not known if fluticasone is secreted in
breast
milk. Other medications in the same class as fluticasone are secreted into
breast milk. It is not known whether the small amounts that may appear in the
milk affect the infant.
What else should I know about fluticasone propionate oral inhaler?
What preparations of fluticasone propionate oral inhaler are available?
Inhalation aerosol: 44, 110, and 220 mcg/inhalation.
Inhalation Powder (Diskhaler): 50, 100, and 250 mcg/inhalation
How should I keep fluticasone propionate oral inhaler stored?
Fluticasone should be kept at room temperature, 4 C – 30 C (39 F – 86 F), and the aerosol should be shaken well before each use.
Other important side effects include Allergic reactions such as: