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Fluticasone Inhaler

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Steroid Inhaler Flixotide, Arnuity Adult, Children

Fluticasone Inhaler - What is it for

​Fluticasone inhaler is a steroid inhaler that helps to reduce and prevent swelling and inflammation in the lungs. Fluticasone inhaler is normally referred to as a ‘controller’ inhaler as it helps to control symptoms such as breathlessness in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a disease affecting the lungs which makes it harder for the person to breathe as the disease gets worse.

Fluticasone Inhaler - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Fluticasone Inhaler cause?

Common side effects include:

  • Increase chance of having throat irritation, oral fungal infection (seen as white patches in mouth), hoarseness of voice and coughing
    • You can prevent these side effects by rinsing your mouth with water and spitting the water out after rinsing, after using your Fluticasone inhaler.
    • You can brush your teeth each time after you use your Fluticasone inhaler.
    • Using a spacer device can also reduce these side effects.
  • Increase chance of getting lung infection

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Fluticasone Inhaler , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
  • You are taking oral medications to treat fungal infections such as itraconazole or ketoconazole.

Fluticasone inhaler will not stop an asthma attack that has already started as it takes a longer time for the medication to work. Thus, you should always carry a fast-acting inhaler, such as Salbutamol inhaler, that would open up your airways quickly to relieve your breathlessness during an asthma attack. Fast-acting inhalers are normally referred to as 'reliever' inhalers.

Please see your healthcare professional if your asthma symptoms get worse. The signs include:

  • Having to use your 'reliever' inhaler more often than before
  • Your wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing) or chest tightness gets worse
  • Your 'reliever' inhaler doesn't help you as well as before

These symptoms may mean that your condition could be getting worse and you may need extra treatment.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Fluticasone Inhaler ?

Fluticasone Inhaler - Dosage and How to Use

How should Fluticasone Inhaler be used?

  • ​Use your Fluticasone inhaler every day to control your condition, unless otherwise informed by your healthcare professional.
  • Please refer to your Fluticasone inhaler’s patient information leaflet to learn how to use the inhaler.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Fluticasone Inhaler - Handling

How should I handle Fluticasone Inhaler safely?

Fluticasone Inhaler - Storage

How should I store Fluticasone Inhaler ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Fluticasone Inhaler safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Fluticasone Inhaler - Additional Information

For controller inhalers with dose counter, check the dose counter and change the canister once the dose counter indicates zero [000] doses.

For controller inhalers without dose counter, mark the date of opening and based on the dosing regimen, throw away when the doses are used up.

  • Updated on 7/31/2019 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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