Fluticasone nasal
FLONASE
Pronunciation: floo-TIK-a-soen
“Nasal Flo”
What it isLocal glucocorticoid agonist that suppresses nasal inflammation; allergic rhinitis.
Why this oneSystemic exposure is lower than with budesonide or triamcinolone, favoring it when prolonged daily use is expected.
What limits itEpistaxis and septal irritation are technique problems — aim away from the septum. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can cause systemic steroid effects.
Fluticasone nasal prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, All Rx meds (1914–2026). Fluticasone nasal enters in 1996 (estimated).
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityLocal irritation, sensitization or administration-site injury; negligible systemic toxicity at usual use.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
NO BOXED WARNINGS
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hay fever / upper respiratory allergy symptoms | Adults & children ≥12 yr | Week 1: 2 sprays in each nostril once daily | Weeks 2 through 6 months: 1–2 sprays in each nostril once daily as needed | 2 sprays per nostril once daily |
| Hay fever / upper respiratory allergy symptoms | Children 4–11 yr | 1 spray in each nostril once daily | 1 spray in each nostril once daily (shortest time necessary) | 1 spray per nostril once daily |
Renal Undefined.
Hepatic Undefined.
Instructions
- Use only once a day; do not use more than directed
- Prime the bottle and shake gently before each use
- For use in the nose only; do not spray into eyes or mouth
- Children 4–11 yr: adult supervision; talk to doctor if used longer than 2 months/year
Available strengths
- nasal spray 27.5, 50, 93 mcg/spray
- powder 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25 mg/inh
- cream 0.05 %
- inhaler 44, 110, 220 mcg/inh
- lotion 0.05 %
- ointment 0.005 %
Contraindications
- Do not use in children under 4 years of age
- Do not use to treat asthma
- Do not use with nasal injury or surgery that is not fully healed
Cautions
- Ask a doctor if you have/had glaucoma or cataracts
- Slower growth rate in some children
- Ask doctor/pharmacist if taking ritonavir, steroid medicine, or ketoconazole
- Stop use for vision changes or frequent nosebleeds
Adverse reactions
- Nasal stinging or sneezing after use
- Nosebleeds
- Slower growth rate in children
- Nasal whistling (sign of nasal damage)
Pregnancy If pregnant, ask a health professional before use.
Lactation If breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27.5 mcg/spray | nasal spray | per unit | not offered | |
| 50 mcg/spray | nasal spray | per unit | $0.68/mL | offered |
| 93 mcg/spray | nasal spray | per unit | not offered |
Other forms: Fluticasone (FLOVENT)
Available combined with: fluticasone / salmeterol · fluticasone / salmeterol / hfa · fluticasone / umeclidinium / vilanterol · fluticasone / vilanterol
Open Fluticasone nasal in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: interaction avatars
Open Fluticasone nasal in the interactive console ↗
Self-check
- Where should a fluticasone nasal spray be aimed relative to the septum?
Away from it. - How does its systemic exposure compare with budesonide or triamcinolone?
Lower.