Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
cream
- 0.05%
ointment
- 0.005%
lotion
- 0.05%
Atopic Dermatitis
Cream/lotion: Apply qDay-q12hr; reassess diagnosis if no improvements within 2 weeks
Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses
Cream/lotion: Apply qDay or q12hr; reassess diagnosis if no improvements within 2 weeks
Dosage Forms & Strengths
cream
- 0.05%
lotion
- 0.05%
Atopic Dermatitis
Lotion
- <3 months: Safety & efficacy not established
- >3 months: As adults; apply cream/lotion sparingly qDay-q12hr
Lotion
- <1 year: Safety & efficacy not established
- >1 year: As adults; apply sparingly qDay
Corticosteroid-responsive Dermatoses
Cream
- <3 months: Safety & efficacy not established
- >3 months: Apply qDay or q12hr; reassess diagnosis if no improvements within 2 weeks
Adverse Effects
1-10%
Pruritus (2.9%)
Dryness (1.2%)
Skin irritation: (3%)
Eczema (1%)
Telangiectasia (2-5%)
Numbness of fingers (1%)
<1%
Burning
Folliculitis
Acneiform lesions
Urticaria
Hypertrichosis
Lightheadedness
Viral
Warts
Impetigo
Skin infection
Frequency Not Defined
Striae
Pigmentation changes
HPA suppression (with higher potency used >2 wk)
Erythema
Cushing syndrome
Sepsis
Hemorrhage reported
Edema/swelling
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Underlying infection
Skin atrophy
Perioral dermatitis
Rosacea
Ophthalmic use
Cautions
Safety/efficacy in peds use longer than 4 wk not established
Ointment not indicated for atopic dermatitis
Use med to very high potency for <2 wk to reduce local and systemic side effects
Use low potency for chronic therapy
Reversible HPA axis suppression and resulting clinical glucocorticoid insufficiency can occur during or after withdrawal of treatment; risk factors include use over large surface area, prolonged use, use under occlusion, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and young age; children may exhibit greater susceptibility to corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome due to larger skin surface area to body weight ratio; modify use if HPA axis suppression is suspected;
Avoid medium to very high potency on face, folds, groin because can increase steroid absorption
Use lower potency for children (ie, increase BSA/kg, therefore increase systemic absorption)
Contains imidurea as excipient which releases formaldehyde as a breakdown product; may cause allergic sensitization or irritation upon contact
May cause irritation, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, hypertrichosis, and miliaria; especially with high-potency or occlusive dressings
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
There are no available data on use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; observational studies suggest an increased risk of low birth weight infants with use of greater than 300 grams of potent or very potent topical corticosteroids during pregnancy; advise pregnant women that therapy may increase risk of having a low birth weight infant and to use drug on smallest area of skin and for shortest duration possible
Animal data
- In animal reproduction studies, subcutaneous administration to pregnant mice, rats, and rabbits during organogenesis caused malformations characteristic of corticosteroids in each species; available data do not allow calculation of relevant comparisons between systemic exposure of fluticasone propionate observed in animal studies to systemic exposure that would be expected in humans after topical use
Lactation
There are no data on presence of drug in human milk, its effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production; not known whether topical administration could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk
Developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for drug and any potential adverse effects on breastfed child from therapy or from underlying maternal condition
To minimize potential exposure to breastfed infant via breast milk, use on smallest area of skin and for shortest duration possible while breastfeeding; advise breastfeeding women not to apply drug directly to nipple and areola prior to breastfeeding to avoid direct infant exposure
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Corticosteroids decrease inflammation by stabilizing leukocyte lysosomal membranes, preventing release of destructive acid hydrolases from leukocytes; inhibiting macrophage accumulation in inflamed areas; reducing leukocyte adhesion to capillary endothelium; reducing capillary wall permeability and edema formation; decreasing complement components; antagonizing histamine activity and release of kinin from substrates; reducing fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and subsequent scar tissue formation
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: 6% (animal studies; 5% systemic, 1% in skin)
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flonase Allergy Relief nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| Flonase Allergy Relief nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| Flonase Allergy Relief nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| Flonase Allergy Relief nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| Flonase Allergy Relief nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| Flonase Allergy Relief nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| Flovent HFA inhalation - | 220 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| Flovent HFA inhalation - | 44 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| Flovent HFA inhalation - | 110 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.05 % cream |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.05 % cream |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.005 % ointment |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.005 % ointment |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.005 % ointment |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.05 % cream |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.05 % cream |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.05 % cream |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.05 % cream |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.05 % lotion |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.05 % cream |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.05 % cream |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.005 % ointment |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.005 % ointment |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.005 % ointment |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.05 % lotion |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.05 % cream |  | |
| fluticasone propionate topical - | 0.05 % lotion |  | |
| Beser topical - | 0.05 % lotion |  | |
| fluticasone propionate inhalation - | 110 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| fluticasone propionate inhalation - | 44 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| ClariSpray nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| Children's Flonase Allergy Relief nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| Children's Flonase Allergy Relief nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| fluticasone propionate nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| fluticasone propionate nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| fluticasone propionate nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| fluticasone propionate nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| fluticasone propionate nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| fluticasone propionate nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| fluticasone propionate nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| fluticasone propionate nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| fluticasone propionate nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| fluticasone propionate nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| fluticasone propionate nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| fluticasone propionate nasal - | 50 mcg/actuation suspension |  | |
| Flovent Diskus inhalation - | 100 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| Flovent Diskus inhalation - | 250 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| Flovent Diskus inhalation - | 100 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| Flovent Diskus inhalation - | 250 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| Flovent Diskus inhalation - | 50 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| Xhance nasal - | 93 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| Xhance nasal - | 93 mcg/actuation aerosol |  | |
| ArmonAir Digihaler inhalation - | 113 mcg/actuation aerosol |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
fluticasone propionate topical
FLUTICASONE - TOPICAL
(floo-TIK-a-sone)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cutivate
USES: This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (such as eczema, psoriasis, rash). Fluticasone reduces swelling (inflammation), itching, and redness. This medication is a medium-strength corticosteroid. It is available in several forms, including cream, ointment, and lotion. Your doctor will choose the type of product based on your skin condition and the area of your body to be treated.Fluticasone ointment is not recommended for use by children because of the risk of serious side effects.
HOW TO USE: Use this medication on the skin only. However, do not use it on the face, groin, or underarms, or for diaper rash, unless directed to do so by your doctor.Wash and dry your hands before using. Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin film of medication to the affected area and gently rub in as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.Wash your hands after each use, unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes because it may worsen or cause glaucoma. Also avoid getting it in your nose or mouth. If medication gets in these areas, rinse with plenty of water.Use this medication only for the condition prescribed. Do not apply large amounts of this medication, use it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects may increase.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve in 2 weeks or if it worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Burning, itching, stinging, or dryness may occur when you apply this medication, but usually only lasts a short time. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: stretch marks, skin thinning/discoloration, acne, excessive hair growth, small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis).Rarely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children, and in people who use this medication for a long time or over large areas of the skin. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur: unusual/extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, vision problems.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using fluticasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as formaldehyde), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: poor blood circulation, diabetes, immune system problems.Corticosteroids can make skin infections worse and more difficult to treat. Tell your doctor if you have a skin infection or if your condition does not improve.Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for other skin problems unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.Lab and/or medical tests (such as adrenal gland function) may be done while you are using this medication, especially if you use this drug for a long time or apply it over large areas of the body. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised April 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.
