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Fluticasone for inhalation

  • Make sure you know how to use your inhaler properly.
  • This medicine will not give you immediate relief if you are having an asthma attack. You will need a reliever medicine to ease the symptoms of an attack.
  • Do not suddenly stop using your inhaler.

About fluticasone for inhalation

Type of medicine Inhaled corticosteroid
Used for Asthma
Also called Flixotide
Available as Evohalers (aerosol inhalers without CFCs)
Accuhalers (dry powder inhalers)
Diskhalers (dry powder inhalers)
Nebules (nebuliser solution)

Fluticasone for inhalation works by decreasing inflammation in the lungs and the passages leading to the lungs making it easier for you to breathe. It needs to be used regularly for maximum effect.

Before using fluticasone for inhalation

Before using fluticasone for inhalation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from diabetes mellitus.
  • If you have ever suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis.

How to use fluticasone for inhalation

  • Fluticasone is inhaled twice daily.
  • Follow your doctors instructions carefully.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Make sure you know how to use your inhaler properly.
  • Keep your regular appointments so that your condition may be reviewed regularly.
  • This medicine will not give you immediate relief if you are having an asthma attack. You will need a reliever medicine to ease the symptoms of an attack.
  • Fluticasone for inhalation may occasionally cause hoarseness or oral thrush. Rinsing the mouth out with water and spitting it out after each dose (or brushing a child's teeth) may help to prevent irritation or thrush.
  • Your doctor may give you a spacer device to use with this inhaler particularly if you struggle to co-ordinate breathing in and pressing the inhaler device. This helps to make sure that the medicine travels right into the lungs rather than just the mouth.
  • If you have diabetes mellitus, you should check your blood sugar regularly and tell your doctor if you notice any change.
  • Children on high doses should have their height measured regularly.
  • Do not suddenly stop using your inhaler.
  • If you are given a blue steroid card, carry it on your person at all times.

Can fluticasone for inhalation cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Thrush in the mouth or throat Rinse your mouth out after inhaling from your inhaler.
A spacer device may help.
Hoarseness Rinse your mouth out after inhaling from your inhaler.
A spacer device may help.

If you find that your breathing gets worse straight after using your inhaler speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store fluticasone for inhalation

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1418		 DocRef:
dils2059		 Last Updated:
23 May 2007		 Date of Next Review:
22 May 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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