Generic Drug Name: Fluticasone
Other Common Names: Flovent
Related Information
Fluticasone is a glucocorticoid that is most commonly used in the form of an inhaled aerosol to treat feline asthma, dogs with chronic cough, and horses that suffer from recurrent airway obstruction or inflammatory airway disease. It may also be useful in treating allergy-related rhinosinusitis when nasally inhaled.
Fluticasone, when inhaled, rarely causes adverse effects in patients. However, it is possible that suppression of the HPA axis can occur. Studies have shown that this symptom is extremely rare in cats. When switching to inhaled fluticasone from systematic steroid therapy, the patient should be weaned off the previous medication slowly in order to prevent acute adrenal insufficiency. Severe asthma attacks can also occur during the withdrawal stage or after the switch to fluticasone has occurred. This drug has been shown to have no effect on treating acute bronchospasm.
Fluticasone should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if an overdose is suspected, the symptoms of which can be significant HPA axis suppression and cushinoid effects. Instances of Fluticasone overdose are rare.
Fluticasone should be kept at room temperature in a light resistant, childproof container and should be shaken before administration. It should be kept in a place where it will not be punctured or incinerated. It should also be protected from freezing and kept out of direct sunlight.
Fluticasone is packaged in the form of an inhaler. A typical dose in dogs and cats is 110-220 microgram (1-2 puffs) twice daily. Horses, on the other hand, can range from 450-2200 micrograms (5-10 puffs) once daily. Should a dose be forgotten, it should be administered as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, in which case the regular schedule should be resumed. Two doses should not be administered at the same time.
Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.