Fluticasone inhalers
NHS information about flucitasone inhalers, including what this medicine is used for, who can use it, how to use it and side effects.
There’s separate information about fluticasone nasal spray and drops for treating allergic rhinitis.
What fluticasone inhalers are for
Fluticasone inhalers contain a steroid medicine. They are called preventer inhalers because they help prevent asthma attacks.
Preventer inhalers can help:
- control asthma symptoms
- reduce the chance of having an asthma attack
A preventer inhaler is different to the reliever inhaler that you use during an asthma attack.
There are also combination inhalers, containing fluticasone and another medicine, to treat asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How to use fluticasone inhalers
Fluticasone comes as an inhaler that you use twice a day. There are different types and strengths.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist, nurse or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or have any problems taking it.
Your GP, a nurse or pharmacist will show you how to use your inhaler. Sometimes you’ll be given a clear plastic tube called a spacer to attach to the inhaler. This makes it easier to breathe in your medicine
When using fluticasone:
- use the inhaler exactly as you’ve been shown
- try to use it at the same time each day
- rinse you mouth with water after using your inhaler and spit the water out
While using fluticasone, you may be given a steroid alert card.
If a child is prescribed fluticasone, they’ll have their height checked regularly by their doctor. This is because steroids can sometimes affect how children grow.
Find out more
How to use different inhalers and spacers (RightBreathe)
Side effects of fluticasone inhalers
Like all medicines, fluticasone inhalers can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of fluticasone inhalers include:
- a headache
- oral thrush (mouth thrush)
- a croaky or hoarse voice
- sore throat
Fluticasone inhalers will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of fluticasone inhalers.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot use fluticasone inhalers
Most adults can use fluticasone inhalers.
It's sometimes also prescribed for children aged 4 years or older.
But fluticasone inhalers are not suitable for everyone. For example, they may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from fluticasone or another inhaled steroid
- you’ve had treatment for tuberculosis (TB)
Before using fluticasone inhalers, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and fluticasone inhalers
You can usually use a fluticasone inhaler while breastfeeding.
It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and fluticasone inhalers
You can usually use fluticasone inhalers if you're pregnant.
It's important that your asthma is controlled, to keep you and your baby safe.
Using fluticasone inhalers with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with fluticasone inhalers.
This includes:
- steroid tablets (corticosteroids)
- some antifungal medicines taken as tablets or capsules
- ritonavir, an antiviral medicine used to treat HIV
Before using a fluticasone inhaler, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with fluticasone inhalers
You can eat and drink as normal while using a fluticasone inhaler.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or a doctor for advice – if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicine Service
