Fluticasone utilises a fluorocarbothioate ester linkage at the 17 carbon position. It has potent vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory activity, but weak hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) inhibitory effect when applied topically.

Adult
Inhalation
Asthma prophylaxis - fluticasone propionate powd or aerosol inhaler: 100 mcg bid in mild asthma, up to 500-1,000 mcg bid in severe cases.
Severe chronic asthma - nebuliser soln: 500-2,000 mcg bid. - fluticasone furoate dry powd inhaler: 100-200 mcg once daily.
Nasal allergic rhinitis - fluticasone propionate spray: 100 mcg into each nostril once daily, or bid as necessary. - fluticasone furoate spray: 55 mcg into each nostril once daily, may reduce to 27.5 mcg into each nostril once daily.
Nasal polyps - fluticasone propionate drops: 200 mcg into each nostril 1-2 times/day for at least 4-6 wk.

Topical
Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses - 0.05% cream or 0.005% oint: apply thinly and rub gently to affected area bid for up to 4 wk.

Adverse drug reactions: eosinophilic conditions, adrenal insufficiency, growth retardation, Cushing's syndrome, decreased bone density, cataract, glaucoma.

Adapted from CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.