Fluticasone

Fluticasone

Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference
Trade names	Flovent
Therapeutic class	Anti-inflammatory (respiratory)
Pharmacologic class	Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
Onset / peak / duration	Effect builds over days to weeks of regular use.
Half-life / level	Local action; no routine level.
Routes	Inhaled
High-alert (ISMP)	No
Black box warning	None
Antidote / reversal	Not applicable.
Pregnancy / lactation	Preferred controllers in pregnancy.

Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.

Fluticasone (brand name Flovent) — Anti-inflammatory (respiratory); Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Anti-inflammatory (respiratory).
• Pharmacologic class: Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Reduces airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.
• Onset / peak / duration: Effect builds over days to weeks of regular use.
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Local action; no routine level.

Clinical use

• Indications: Asthma maintenance.
• Usual dose, route, frequency: Inhaled twice daily.
• Maximum dose / adjustments: Per product; use lowest effective dose.

Safety

• Contraindications: Primary treatment of acute bronchospasm, hypersensitivity.
• Black box warning: None.
• Interactions: Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, ketoconazole) raise systemic exposure.
• Pregnancy / lactation: Preferred controllers in pregnancy.
• High-alert: No.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Oral thrush, hoarseness, throat irritation.
• Serious effects to report: Persistent oral candidiasis, signs of systemic steroid effects at high doses, growth slowing in children.
• Antidote / reversal: Not applicable.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: Respiratory status, oral mucosa.
• Interventions during therapy: Use a spacer; rinse mouth after each use.
• Monitor: Symptom control, oral mucosa, growth in children.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Fewer asthma symptoms and flares.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Controller, not a rescue; rinse and spit after use to prevent thrush.
• Notify provider if: White mouth patches, worsening symptoms.
• Administration tips: Daily; rinse mouth after; use a spacer.