Fluticasone is an anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive agent from the glucocorticoid class, used for the treatment of asthma, COPD, inflammatory skin conditions, nasal polyps, and allergic rhinitis, among other indications. Various dosage forms are available, including dry powder inhalers, metered-dose aerosols, nasal sprays, creams, and ointments. In pharmaceutical preparations, fluticasone is present as either fluticasone propionate or fluticasone furoate. It is potent, has a high first-pass metabolism, and low oral bioavailability.
Fluticasone (ATC R03BA05) has anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive properties. Its effects are mediated through binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors. Fluticasone has low water solubility, high first-pass metabolism, and consequently low oral bioavailability. It has high potency and only minimal mineralocorticoid activity.
Mechanism of action of glucocorticoids, click to enlarge. Illustration © PharmaWiki
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