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Nasal spray (prescription)A corticosteroid, which is a steroid medicine, given as a nasal spray

Fluticasone Propionate

Fluticasone propionate · Say it: floo-TIK-a-sone pro-PEE-oh-nate

A prescription steroid nasal spray used to ease nose symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and nasal itching, caused by long-lasting (perennial) non-allergy nasal irritation.

Brand names: Flovent DiskusAllergy Relief

Reading levelLanguage

Used for

The label says it is used to manage the nasal symptoms of perennial nonallergic rhinitis, such as runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and nasal itching, in adults and in children aged 4 years and older. The label says it is not known whether it is safe and effective in children younger than 4.

Comes as

Nasal spray: 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate per spray. Each bottle has 120 sprays.

Common side effects

Headache, Sore throat (pharyngitis), Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

Key facts
Generic nameFluticasone propionate
Brand namesFlovent Diskus, Allergy Relief
Type of medicineA corticosteroid, which is a steroid medicine, given as a nasal spray
How it is soldNasal spray (prescription)
Comes asNasal spray: 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate per spray. Each bottle has 120 sprays.
Routenasal
Boxed warningNo
Label date2026-04-22

💊 What is Fluticasone Propionate used for?

  • The label says it is used to manage the nasal symptoms of perennial nonallergic rhinitis, such as runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and nasal itching, in adults and in children aged 4 years and older. The label says it is not known whether it is safe and effective in children younger than 4.

How it works

How it is usually taken

  • The label says this spray is for use in the nose only, and not in the eyes or mouth. Shake the bottle gently before each use. Before the first use, or after a period of not using it, the label says to prime the pump by shaking well and releasing a set number of sprays into the air, away from your face. The label says to use it at regular intervals each day, because it works best with regular use. Children should use it with an adult's help. The label says it may take several days of regular use to notice full benefit, and that it does not work right away. The amount and schedule are set by your prescriber, so follow their instructions and the step-by-step directions in the patient information.

Comes as

  • Nasal spray: 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate per spray. Each bottle has 120 sprays.

⚠️ Fluticasone Propionate side effects

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Sore throat (pharyngitis)
  • Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
  • Burning or irritation inside the nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Asthma symptoms
  • Cough

Get medical help right away if

  • Get medical help right away if you have nosebleeds that keep happening, nose sores or ulcers, or a hole forming in the wall between the nostrils (nasal septal perforation). The label also notes that nasal healing may be slowed.
  • Get medical help right away if you develop a white or yeast-like infection in the nose or throat (Candida infection).
  • Get medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, hives, itching, or rash. The label says rare immediate allergic reactions can occur, and that the spray should be stopped if these happen.
  • Tell your provider right away if you notice any change in your vision. The label links nasal and inhaled corticosteroids to glaucoma and cataracts.
  • Get medical help right away if you are on high-dose or immune-suppressing steroid treatment and are exposed to chickenpox or measles. The label says these illnesses can be more serious or even fatal in susceptible people.
  • Get medical help right away if you have signs of too much steroid in the body or adrenal problems. The label notes this can happen with very high doses or, in some susceptible people, at the regular dose.
  • Parents should tell the child's provider about any slowing in a child's growth. The label says children taking corticosteroids should have their growth closely followed.

🛑 Who should not take Fluticasone Propionate, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

  • You are allergic to fluticasone propionate or any of the ingredients in this spray. The label says this is a contraindication.
  • You have had recent nasal ulcers, nasal surgery, or nasal trauma. The label says to avoid use until healing has occurred.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

  • Tell your provider if you have or have had nasal sores, nasal surgery, or nasal injury.
  • Tell your provider if you have or have had eye problems, such as glaucoma or cataracts.
  • Tell your provider if you have an immune system problem or any viral, bacterial, or fungal infection.
  • Tell your provider if you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles.
  • Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Tell your provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  • Tell your provider if you take antifungal or anti-HIV medicines.
  • The label says not to spray this medicine in your eyes or mouth.

🔀 Fluticasone Propionate with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

  • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ritonavir and ketoconazole, may increase the effects of corticosteroids in the body. The label says use with these is not recommended.
  • The label lists other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors to ask about, including atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, conivaptan, lopinavir, and voriconazole.
  • The label says to especially mention antifungal or anti-HIV medicines to your provider.
  • Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Alcohol and food

The label does not say.

🤰 Fluticasone Propionate in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says there is not enough data on use in pregnant women to show a drug-related risk. It says it is not known if this spray may harm an unborn baby. Animal studies showed effects at certain doses. The label says the risk of birth defects and miscarriage for this use is unknown. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding

The label says it is not known whether this spray passes into breast milk or if it can harm a baby. Tell your provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label does not say.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says that taking too much over a long time may cause signs of too much corticosteroid in the body. The label describes studies with higher amounts given to volunteers, which did not show serious problems in the nasal use studied. If you think you have used too much, contact your provider or get medical help.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Fluticasone Propionate

🎯 Check what you understood

1. According to the summary, when does this spray usually start to help?

2. Which of these is a reason the label says not to use this spray?

3. Where should this nasal spray be sprayed?

❓ Fluticasone Propionate: frequently asked questions

What is fluticasone propionate nasal spray used for?

The label says it is used to manage nasal symptoms of perennial nonallergic rhinitis, such as runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and nasal itching. It is used in adults and children aged 4 years and older.

Can I stop using it when I feel better?

The label says not to stop using it unless your healthcare provider tells you to. It also says your provider may lower your dose after you begin to feel better.

Can I use more sprays if my symptoms are not improving?

The label says you should not increase the prescribed dose. Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve or if the condition worsens.

Does this spray cause nosebleeds?

Nosebleeds (epistaxis) are among the most common side effects in the label's trials and were seen more often with the spray than with placebo. Tell your provider if they continue or become frequent.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

The label says there is not enough data to inform a drug-related risk in pregnant women, and it is not known if it may harm an unborn baby. Talk with your provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

🧪 Tests and reports linked to Fluticasone Propionate

The label text mentions these. If you have one of these reports, get every line of it explained.

📖 Medical words used on this page

  • Allergic reaction

    An allergic reaction is when the immune system overreacts to something harmless, such as a medicine or food, causing symptoms from a rash to swelling.

  • Anaphylaxis

    Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that comes on fast and is a medical emergency needing urgent help.

  • Antifungal

    An antifungal is a medicine that treats or prevents infections caused by fungi, such as yeast infections, athlete's foot and ringworm.

  • Bronchospastic Disease

    Bronchospastic disease means a lung condition, such as asthma, in which the airways tend to tighten suddenly (bronchospasm).

  • Candida

    Candida is a type of yeast (a fungus) that normally lives on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina, and can sometimes overgrow and cause infection.

  • Candida infection

    A candida infection (candidiasis or thrush) is an overgrowth of candida yeast, often in the mouth, vagina, penis or skin folds.

  • Cataract

    A cataract is clouding of the normally clear lens inside the eye, causing blurred or dim vision.

  • Congenital malformations

    Congenital malformations are differences in the structure of the body that are present at birth, such as heart, spine or lip and palate defects.

  • Contraindication

    A contraindication is a reason not to use a particular medicine, test or procedure for a person because it could cause harm.

  • Corticosteroid

    A corticosteroid is a medicine similar to the body's own hormone cortisol, used to reduce inflammation and calm the immune system.

  • CYP3A

    CYP3A is a family of enzymes, mainly in the liver and gut, that break down a large share of commonly used medicines.

  • CYP3A4

    CYP3A4 is a liver and gut enzyme that breaks down many medicines. Drugs or foods that block or boost it can change medicine levels.

  • Edema

    Edema is swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues, often in the feet, ankles and legs.

  • Epistaxis

    Epistaxis is the medical word for a nosebleed, bleeding from the inside of the nose.

📖 Medical words on this page

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🧩 Similar medicines

  • Dexamethasone · A corticosteroid, a synthetic adrenocortical steroid medicine that lowers inflammation and suppresses the immune system
  • Prednisolone · a corticosteroid, a type of steroid medicine. The label describes glucocorticoids as adrenocortical steroids, both naturally occurring and synthetic, that are readily absorbed from the stomach and intestines.
  • Prednisone · a corticosteroid, a type of steroid medicine that works like the adrenocortical (adrenal gland) steroids the body makes naturally
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Source: official FDA drug label (label updated 2026-04-22). Read the full label on DailyMed

MedicDecode explains the official label in plain words. It is not medical advice and does not replace your doctor or pharmacist. Never start, stop or change a medicine because of what you read here.