Flovent Inhaler (Fluticasone Propionate)

Flovent (Fluticasone Propionate) Medication Information

Uses

Flovent is prescribed to treat the inflammatory lung diseases asthma. People with this condition have trouble breathing because their airways tighten.

Certain triggers like exercise or smoke can trigger bronchospasm (also known as an asthma attack). When an attack begins, symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, rapid and frequent breathing, throat irritation, and chest pressure. 

Bronchospasm can last anywhere from minutes to hours to days. Sometimes they go away on their own, but they sometimes need treatment.

Flovent does not treat bronchospasm, but it makes them less likely to happen. Flovent contains the corticosteroid fluticasone propionate, which is an anti-inflammatory medication. Fluticasone works by inactivating the immune response that leads to inflammation and constriction of the airways.

Dosage

Flovent is an inhaler that comes in three different dose sizes, including 44 mcg, 110 mcg, and 220 mcg. 

The standard dose is one to two inhalations by mouth twice daily. The dose ranges from 88 mcg to 880 mcg per day, depending on what the doctor prescribes.

Rinse your mouth with water after each administration and spit the water into the sink without swallowing. Failing to rinse the mouth after using Flovent can cause an infection of the mouth called thrush.

Shake well before each use.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Flovent inhaler include:

• Bronchitis
• Candidiasis
• Cough
• Dysphonia
• Headache
• Inflammation
• Sinusitis
• Throat irritation
• Upper respiratory tract infection

Precautions

Flovent cannot treat bronchospasm. Your doctor should prescribe a short-acting inhaler like albuterol to treat asthma attacks.

If you have a long-term infection, including bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, tell your doctor before starting Flovent because it can worsen the infection.

Children who take Flovent long-term should have their growth monitored.

Glaucoma and cataracts can develop in people who take Flovent for long periods.

Interactions

Flovent has drug-drug interactions with the following medications:

• Atazanavir
• Clarithromycin
• Darunavir
• Indinavir
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Lopinavir
• Nefazodone
• Nelfinavir
• Ritonavir
• Saquinavir
• Telithromycin
• Tipranavir

Tell your doctor if you start, stop, or change medication regimens while taking Flovent.

Storage

Each canister contains 120 metered doses in a pressurized container. Do not expose to temperatures above 120 F and do not keep near open flames.

Store at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F with the mouthpiece down.

Pharmacist Tips

• Flovent needs to be “primed” for the first use. Shake it well and spray three to four times into the air away from you.
• Prime the inhaler again if it has not been used for seven days or more.
• Remove the canister from the mouthpiece and rinse the mouthpiece with warm water once per week. This prevents it from becoming clogged.

Flovent FAQs

How many doses are in each Flovent inhaler?

Each inhaler contains 120 doses, which is enough for 30 days. 

How do I inhale the medication?

When ready to inhale, breathe out and place your lips around the mouthpiece. Begin breathing slowly and press down on the canister while you continue to breathe in. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can.

Can I use the inhaler after the counter reads 0?

No. Even though a small amount of medication is still in the canister, the manufacturer does not guarantee that each puff delivers the right amount of drug.

Related Products

• Advair Diskus
• Advair Inhaler
• Breo Ellipta
• Combivent Respimat
• Flovent Diskus
• Pulmicort Flexhaler
• Qvar
• Symbicort
• Spiriva 

References

1. Flovent [package insert]. Research Park Triangle, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2019.