Fluticasone: Uses, How to Take It, Side Effects, and Safety
Fluticasone is a corticosteroid medicine that reduces inflammation. Depending on the formulation, it is used to help control asthma, relieve allergy symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, or treat inflamed skin conditions such as eczema. The inhaler, nasal spray, and skin products are not interchangeable.
Fluticasone works best when used consistently as directed, and it is not a quick-relief medicine for sudden breathing symptoms. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to confirm the correct product, dose, and administration technique.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R03BA05
- Generic
- Fluticasone
- Class
- inhaled-corticosteroid
- Brands
- Flovent
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 8
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- inhaled, topical
- Forms
- inhaler, nasal-spray, cream
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- oral-candidiasis
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimestermaintain current effective dose
continue use for asthma control as uncontrolled asthma poses greater risk
routine prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid high doses if possible
continue use for asthma control but consider tapering to lowest effective dose
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
inhaled fluticasone is compatible with breastfeeding
none required
pediatric_age
children under 5weight-based dosing
use with spacer device in children 4-5 years; not recommended for children under 4
monitor growth velocity periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 5 12age and weight-based dosing
appropriate for asthma management in this age group
regular growth monitoring recommended
geriatric
elderly 65start at low end of dosing range
use with caution in patients with osteoporosis or diabetes
monitor for ocular changes and bone density
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for inhaled formulation
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required due to minimal systemic absorption
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for inhaled formulation
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution
monitor for systemic effects; consider lower doses
clinical monitoring for systemic steroid effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Classification as corticosteroid for respiratory use
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Flovent
Route of administration
Delivery method for respiratory conditions
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy