This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Fluticasone is an antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive agent belonging to the glucocorticoid class. It is used in the treatment of asthma, COPD, inflammatory skin disorders, nasal polyps, and allergic rhinitis. A variety of dosage forms are available, including dry powder inhalers, metered-dose inhalers, nasal sprays, creams, and ointments. In these preparations, fluticasone is present as either fluticasone propionate or fluticasone furoate. It is highly potent, undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism, and has low oral bioavailability.
Fluticasone (ATC R03BA05) exhibits antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive properties. Its effects are mediated through binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors. Fluticasone has poor aqueous solubility, undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism, and therefore has low oral bioavailability. It is highly potent and exhibits only minimal mineralocorticoid activity.
Mechanism of action of glucocorticoids — click to enlarge. Illustration © PharmaWiki
