Fluticasone Administration

Oral Inhalation Administration

If the patient is using a bronchodilator aerosol spray, instruct them to use the bronchodilator first and wait 5 - 15 minutes, then use fluticasone.

Oral inhalation aerosol:

NOTE: The metered-dose inhalers for oral inhalation deliver either 44 mcg/spray, 110 mcg/spray, or 220 mcg/spray depending on the formulation selected.
Instruct patient to shake the canister well before administering.
Instruct patient on proper inhalation technique (fluticasone_inhalation_aerosol/">see Patient Information).
Flovent® HFA should be primed prior to the initial use by releasing 4 sprays into the air, away from the face and other people. Shake the inhaler well before each use. The inhaler should also be primed by releasing 1 spray into the air if it has not been used for 7 days or longer.
A tube spacer extension may be beneficial in patients unable to coordinate inhalation and actuation.
Following administration, instruct patient to rinse mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash to remove fluticasone deposited in the mouth and to minimize dry mouth or throat, throat irritation, and hoarseness.
The inhaler must be cleaned daily. Remove the canister and cap from the inhaler. Rinse the inhaler with warm water and dry thoroughly.
To avoid the spread of infection, do not use the inhaler for more than one person.

Powder for Oral Inhalation (Rotadisk®) Administration:

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States.
NOTE: One rotadisk blister for oral inhalation delivers 44 mcg/actuation, 88 mcg/actuation, or 220 mcg/actuation of fluticasone from Flovent® Rotadisk® 50 mcg, 100 mcg, or 250 mcg formulations, respectively.
Instruct patient to open and prepare mouthpiece of Diskhaler® device, load Rotadisk® medication blister pack, and activate the first dose (see package instructions provided with product). Holding the Diskhaler® mouthpiece level to, but away from, the mouth; exhale. Then, put the mouthpiece to the lips and breathe in the dose deeply and slowly. Remove mouthpiece from the mouth, hold breath for at least 10 seconds, and then exhale slowly.
The Diskhaler® device should be kept dry while it contains the Rotadisk® medication blister disk; do not wash. The Diskhaler® may be washed once the medication disk is removed.
Following administration, instruct patient to rinse mouth with water.
To avoid the spread of infection, the Diskhaler® device should not be used by more than one person.

Intranasal Administration

NOTE: The nasal spray for intranasal administration delivers 50 mcg/spray.
Before using for the first time the unit must be primed. Keep the sprayer pointed away from patient, other people, and pets. Pump the activator 7 or 8 times until a fine wide spray appears. If the unit has not been used for 48 hours, re-prime by pumping the activator once or twice.
Instruct patient on the proper use of the nasal spray. Each spray supplies a 50 mcg dose.
After administration, rinse the tip of the spray bottle with hot water, taking care not to suck water into the bottle, and dry with a clean tissue. Replace the cap right after cleaning.
To avoid the spread of infection, do not use the sprayer for more than one person.

Topical Administration

For topical dermatologic use only. Not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use.
Cream, lotion, or ointment: Wash hands before and after application. Use gloves if required by universal precautions. Apply sparingly in a thin film and rub gently into affected area. Restrict application to the active lesions or affected areas and try to avoid normal surrounding skin.
Patients who fail to respond to topical fluticasone treatment after 1 - 4 weeks should be re-evaluated.
Once control of the treated condition has been achieved, fluticasone treatment should be discontinued. Intermittent application of fluticasone may need to be continued to maintain remission or control of the treated condition in some cases. The lowest effective maintenance application should be used. Other options include changing to a less potent topical corticosteroid for maintenance and control of inflammation and symptoms.
The amount of cream or ointment needed to cover a certain area can be calculated. A 1 g application of cream covers 100 cm2 of skin. The entire skin surface of the average size adult will be covered by 30 g of topical steroid cream.
Fluticasone propionate preparations generally should not be used with occlusive dressings. Instruct patients not to bandage, cover, or wrap area in any way that may be occlusive.

[ Last revised: 3/10/2006 6:06:00 PM ]

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