- Body system
- Respiratory
- Brand names
- Arnuity Ellipta, Advair (with salmeterol), Flovent (now sold as generic fluticasone propionate inhalers)
What is Fluticasone used for?
- Long-term control of persistent asthma
- COPD (in combination inhalers)
How Fluticasone works
Inhaled corticosteroid: reduces airway inflammation and swelling over days to weeks.
Common side effects
- Oral thrush (candidiasis)
- Hoarseness
- Throat irritation
- Higher doses over time: bone loss, cataracts, slowed growth in children
Report right away
- White patches in the mouth
- Asthma symptoms that are not controlled
Nursing considerations for Fluticasone
- Not for an acute attack: it does not open the airways quickly.
- Give after the bronchodilator when both are scheduled together.
Patient teaching
- Rinse your mouth with water and spit after each use to prevent thrush.
- Use it every day even when you feel well; full benefit takes 1 to 2 weeks or more.
- Keep your rescue inhaler with you.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Asthma controller drugs practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Fluticasone belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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What should a patient do after using an inhaled corticosteroid?
Show answer
Answer C: Rinse the mouth with water and spit Rinsing removes drug left in the mouth and throat and prevents oral candidiasis (thrush).
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Which adverse effect is the subject of a boxed warning for montelukast?
Show answer
Answer D: Neuropsychiatric events such as depression and suicidal thoughts Montelukast carries a boxed warning for serious neuropsychiatric events in children and adults.
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A patient says, 'I only use my fluticasone inhaler when I'm wheezing.' What is the best response?
Show answer
Answer B: Fluticasone works only if used every day; use albuterol for wheezing Inhaled corticosteroids take days to weeks to reduce inflammation and do not relieve acute symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fluticasone used for?
Long-term control of persistent asthma; COPD (in combination inhalers).
What drug class is Fluticasone?
Fluticasone (inhaled) belongs to the class asthma controller drugs. Inhaled corticosteroid: reduces airway inflammation and swelling over days to weeks.
What are the nursing considerations for Fluticasone?
Not for an acute attack: it does not open the airways quickly. Give after the bronchodilator when both are scheduled together.
What should patients report while taking Fluticasone?
white patches in the mouth; asthma symptoms that are not controlled.