Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Fluticasone propionate is a syntheticsteroid of the glucocorticoid family. The naturally-occurring hormone,cortisol or hydrocortisone, is produced by the adrenal glands.Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When usedas a nasal inhaler or spray, the medication goes directly to the insidelining of the nose, and very little is absorbed into the rest of the body.

PREPARATIONS: Aerosol or spray unit in a 0.05% concentration (50mcg per actuation).

STORAGE: Fluticasone propionate should be kept at roomtemperature, 4-30°C (39-86°F). Shake well before each use.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Fluticasone propionate is used for the controlof the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Rhinitis is a condition in which thelining of the nose swells and fluid is released. This results in a stuffyand runny nose.

DOSING: Fluticasone propionate is generally taken as 2 sprays ineach nostril once daily, or 1 spray in each nostril twice daily. Personsbetween the ages of 12 and 20 years are often started at half this dose (1spray in each nostril once daily).

DRUG INTERACTIONS: No drug interactions have been described withnasal fluticasone propionate.

PREGNANCY: There does not appear to be an increased risk ofmalformation in infants born to mothers exposed to intranasalcorticosteroids during pregnancy. Additionally, no dependency on themedication develops, and there are no symptoms from withdrawal of themedication.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if fluticasone propionate is secreted in breast milk. Other medications in this class are indeedsecreted into breast milk. It is not known whether the small amounts thatmay appear in the milk are of any consequence to the infant.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associatedwith nasal fluticasone propionate are nasal irritation, sneezing, andoccasionally a bleeding discharge from the nose.