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Fluticasone Furoate: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Fluticasone Furoate is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid used topically (intranasally and by oral inhalation) for its potent local anti-inflammatory effect.

Forms:Nasal SprayCreamInhalation Capsule

About Fluticasone Furoate

Indications of Fluticasone Furoate

Fluticasone Furoate is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid used topically (intranasally and by oral inhalation) for its potent local anti-inflammatory effect. Its approved uses differ by dosage form and are classified below by strength of evidence.

FDA-Approved / Established Indications

  • Allergic rhinitis (nasal spray): Treatment of nasal symptoms (congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, itching) and ocular symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children aged 2 years and older.
  • Maintenance treatment of asthma (oral inhalation powder): Once-daily maintenance treatment of asthma in patients aged 5 years and older, as monotherapy or, where prescribed, in combination with a long-acting beta-agonist (e.g. vilanterol) for patients not adequately controlled on an inhaled corticosteroid alone.

Important Limitation

Fluticasone Furoate inhalation powder is a maintenance medicine only and is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or acute asthma exacerbations; a separate fast-acting rescue inhaler must be used for acute symptoms.

Dosage & Administration of Fluticasone Furoate

Dosing of Fluticasone Furoate depends on the indication, dosage form, and patient age. It should be used regularly, not on an as-needed basis, for full benefit.

Indication / FormAge GroupRecommended Dose
Allergic rhinitis (nasal spray, 27.5 mcg/spray)Adults & adolescents ≥12 years2 sprays (55 mcg total) in each nostril once daily; may reduce to 1 spray per nostril once daily after symptoms are controlled
Children 2–11 years1 spray in each nostril once daily; may increase to 2 sprays per nostril once daily if response is inadequate, then reduce once controlled
Children <2 yearsSafety and efficacy not established
Asthma maintenance (oral inhalation powder)Adults & adolescents ≥12 years100 mcg once daily; may increase to 200 mcg once daily if inadequately controlled (maximum 200 mcg/day)
Children 5–11 years50 mcg once daily
Children <5 yearsSafety and efficacy not established

The inhalation form of Fluticasone Furoate must be taken with a separate fast-acting rescue bronchodilator available for acute symptoms; it is not a substitute for a rescue inhaler. See Administration for device-specific technique.

Side Effects of Fluticasone Furoate

FormulationCommon Side EffectsLess Common / Serious
Nasal sprayEpistaxis (nosebleed), nasal irritation/ulceration, headache, nasopharyngitis, back painNasal septal perforation, impaired wound healing, vision changes, signs of systemic corticosteroid effect (rare at recommended doses)
Inhalation powderNasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, oropharyngeal (oral) candidiasis, hoarseness/dysphonia, bronchitisParadoxical bronchospasm, pneumonia (in COPD patients using combination products), adrenal suppression, decreased bone mineral density, growth suppression in children, cataracts, glaucoma

Rinsing the mouth after each inhaled dose of Fluticasone Furoate reduces the risk of oral candidiasis and hoarseness. Patients should seek prompt medical advice for vision changes, signs of infection, or unusual bruising/weakness.

Contraindications of Fluticasone Furoate

  • Known hypersensitivity to Fluticasone Furoate or to any excipient in the formulation.
  • Severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins (relevant to the inhalation powder, which uses a lactose carrier containing trace milk proteins).
  • Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute asthma episodes requiring intensive measures — Fluticasone Furoate inhalation powder is not indicated for acute bronchospasm relief.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fluticasone Furoate

What is Fluticasone Furoate used for?

Fluticasone Furoate is a corticosteroid used as a nasal spray to relieve symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose), and as an inhaler for the once-daily maintenance treatment of asthma in appropriately selected patients.

How quickly does Fluticasone Furoate work?

Some relief from Fluticasone Furoate nasal spray may be noticed within a few hours, but full benefit for allergic rhinitis can take several days of regular use. For asthma, Fluticasone Furoate inhalation powder requires regular daily use, with maximum benefit typically seen after 1–2 weeks or longer; it is not a fast-acting rescue medicine.

Can I use Fluticasone Furoate inhaler for a sudden asthma attack?

No. Fluticasone Furoate inhalation powder is a maintenance medicine only and does not relieve sudden breathing difficulty or an acute asthma attack. A separate fast-acting rescue inhaler, as prescribed by your physician, must always be available for acute symptoms.

What are the common side effects of Fluticasone Furoate?

With the nasal spray, common effects include nosebleed, nasal irritation, and headache. With the inhaler, common effects include sore throat, headache, and oral thrush (candidiasis) — rinsing the mouth with water after each inhaled dose of Fluticasone Furoate and spitting it out helps reduce this risk.

Is Fluticasone Furoate safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Fluticasone Furoate should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk, since data in humans are limited. Do not start or stop Fluticasone Furoate without first consulting your physician, especially if you have asthma, as uncontrolled asthma itself carries risks in pregnancy.

Can children use Fluticasone Furoate?

Yes, in approved age groups: the nasal spray is approved from age 2 years and the inhaler from age 5 years, both at lower doses than for adults. Children on long-term Fluticasone Furoate therapy should have their growth monitored periodically by a physician.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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