Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid derived from fluticasone used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It is also used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis.

GlaxoSmithKline currently markets fluticasone propionate as Flovent (USA and Canada) and Flixotide (EU) for asthma, and as Flonase (USA and Canada), Flixonase (Australia, Brazil, EU, India, Israel, South Africa, and South Korea) and Pirinase (UK) for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), as well as a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol as Advair (USA and Canada) or Seretide (EU).In India it is also marketed by Intas under the trade name 'Ezicas'.

Teva markets fluticasone propionate as Nasofan in Italy. It is available as Fluticone in India. It is also available as a cream (marketed as Cutivate or Flutivate) for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.

Flonase patent issues

(FDA) approved the sale of a generic version of Flonase on February 22, 2006. On February 23, 2006, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) was able to obtain a temporary 10-day restraining order from a federal judge in Baltimore blocking the shipment and sales of the approved generic versions of Flonase. The restraining order lasted until March 6, 2006. The basis of the complaint by GSK was that the FDA failed to follow its own regulations in approving the generics and failed to apply the same quality standards for the generic version as it did for Flonase. GSK made these arguments in petitions filed with the FDA, but the FDA rejected those petitions. The Maryland District Court denied the request by GSK to extend the ban on Flonase generics beyond March 6, 2006, and GSK released a statement that they would not appeal the ruling. The ruling meant that sales of generic versions of Flonase could proceed.

Side effects

In studies the topical drug has been associated with burning, stinging, skin irritation, blisters, dryness, skin infection, infected eczema, viral warts, impetigo, atopic dermatitis, pruritus, exacerbation of pruritus, exacerbation of eczema, erythema, and folliculitis.

There are also numerous side effects associated with the oral version of this medication including headache, stuffy or runny nose, difficulty speaking, sore or irritated throat and painful white patches in the mouth or throat.

Excessive use of corticosteroids, particularly fluticasone propionate, are "the most common cause of hypercortisolemia among all age groups." Numerous studies have shown that corticosteroids can result in cognitive disturbances including difficulties in attention and concentration, loss of memory, and impaired logical thinking, known as steroid dementia syndrome.

While hypercortisolism (excess cortisol) is common during fluticasone propionate inhaler use, hypocorticolism (suppressed cortisol) can be expected as a result of sudden withdrawal from fluticasone propionate.