Fluticasone Propionate
Also known as: Flovent, Advair Diskus, Cutovate, Flixotide, Flixonase, Flutivate
> **Important**: This medication is a preventative controller for airway inflammation. It is **not** a rescue inhaler for acute asthma attacks. * **Preparation**: Shake the canister well before using. If possible, bring the canister to room temperature before administration. * **Administration**: Must be used with a spacer device appropriate for your pet's species (e.g., AeroKat®, AeroDawg®). Place the facemask gently over the animal's mouth and nose, press the inhaler to fill the spacer, and allow the animal to breathe with the mask on for **7 to 10 normal breaths** before removing it. * **Storage**: Do not puncture or incinerate the can. * **Duration**: A standard prescription of one puff twice a day will last approximately 2 months.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Treatment of feline 'asthma'
- Feline asthma (signs occurring more than once per week)
- Inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in young racehorses
- Moderate recurrent airway obstruction (RAO/heaves)
- Prevention of exacerbations of RAO
- Adjunctive treatment of chronic tracheobronchial disease (excessive side effects from oral steroids)
- Adjunctive treatment of chronic tracheobronchial disease
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Pharyngitis (reported in humans)
- Upper respiratory infections (reported in humans)
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression (rare with inhaled therapy, but possible with chronic high doses)
- Cushingoid effects (with chronic overdosage)
- Paradoxical bronchospasm (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to fluticasone
- Acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus (not a rescue inhaler)
- When transferring patients from systemic steroid therapy to inhaled steroids, wean slowly off systemic therapy to avoid acute adrenal insufficiency. Prepare to cover patients with additional systemic steroid therapy during periods of acute stress, severe asthma attacks occurring during the withdrawal stage, or after transfer to inhaled steroids. Fluticasone is not useful for acute bronchospasm. Use with caution in nursing dams. FDA Category C for pregnancy; use only when benefits clearly outweigh risks.
Drug interactions
- Ketoconazole: Inhibits CYP3A4 isoenzymes; theoretically could increase systemic fluticasone levels.
- Other CYP3A4 inhibitors: May decrease the metabolism of fluticasone, potentially increasing systemic exposure.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fluticasone Propionate used for in pets?
> **Important**: This medication is a preventative controller for airway inflammation. It is **not** a rescue inhaler for acute asthma attacks. * **Preparation**: Shake the canister well before using. If possible, bring the canister to room temperature before administration. * **Administration**: Must be used with a spacer device appropriate for your pet's species (e.g., AeroKat®, AeroDawg®). Place the facemask gently over the animal's mouth and nose, press the inhaler to fill the spacer, and allow the animal to breathe with the mask on for **7 to 10 normal breaths** before removing it. * **Storage**: Do not puncture or incinerate the can. * **Duration**: A standard prescription of one puff twice a day will last approximately 2 months.
Is Fluticasone Propionate safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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