Fluticasone
Fluticasone propionate
Also known as: Flixotide · Flovent · Fluticasone propionate
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Dosing by species
Dosing data for this drug is not yet available in the VetSheet formulary. Every other section below is complete. Consult the current product label before prescribing.
Overview
Fluticasone is a potent synthetic glucocorticoid used primarily via inhalation to manage chronic airway inflammation in veterinary medicine, such as feline asthma and canine chronic bronchitis.
Clinical Pearl: Inhaled administration delivers the drug directly to the respiratory mucosa, significantly minimizing systemic absorption and the adverse side effects typically associated with oral corticosteroids.
Mechanism of action
Binds to specific glucocorticoid nuclear receptors → alters gene transcription → suppresses multiple inflammatory pathways, decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting inflammatory cells such as eosinophils and macrophages.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Status asthmaticus (not for acute bronchospasm relief)
- Untreated respiratory tract infections
- Known hypersensitivity to fluticasone
Adverse effects
- Pharyngeal candidiasis (rare)
- Mild systemic adrenal suppression (at very high doses)
- Coughing or gagging during administration
Precautions
Must be used with a veterinary-specific spacer device (e.g., AeroKat, AeroDawg) and a well-fitting face mask for effective delivery to the lower airways. This is a maintenance medication and is not effective as a rescue inhaler for acute respiratory distress. It may take several days to weeks to reach full clinical effect.
Drug interactions
May increase systemic fluticasone exposure by inhibiting CYP3A4 metabolism
May increase systemic fluticasone exposure by inhibiting CYP3A4 metabolism
Monitoring
- Clinical signs of respiratory disease (coughing frequency, wheezing, respiratory rate and effort)
- Signs of systemic corticosteroid excess (PU/PD, polyphagia) if on high doses
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Minimal systemic absorption from the lungs. Any swallowed fraction has very low oral bioavailability due to poor aqueous solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism.
Distribution
Locally distributed in the respiratory tract.
Metabolism
Extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver (via CYP3A4) to an inactive carboxylic acid metabolite if swallowed.
Elimination
Primarily excreted in feces.
Overdose
Systemic toxicity is highly unlikely with acute overdose due to poor oral bioavailability. Chronic massive overdose may lead to iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's syndrome) or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression.
Available products
Formulations
- 125 μg metered inhalation
- 250 μg metered inhalation
Human-labeled
- Flixotide Evohaler 50 μg
- Flixotide Evohaler 125 μg
- Flixotide Evohaler 250 μg
Regulatory status
Human approved product (POM) used off-label under the cascade.
Human approved product (POM) used off-label under the cascade.
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature (below 30°C). Protect from frost and direct sunlight. Do not puncture, break, or burn the pressurized aerosol canister, even when empty.
Client information
Fluticasone is a preventative inhaler used to control chronic inflammation in your pet's lungs.
Important: It is not for emergency asthma attacks or acute breathing crises.
- Always use the prescribed spacer device and mask to ensure the medication reaches the lungs.
- Allow your pet to take 7-10 normal breaths through the mask after actuating the inhaler.
- Wipe your pet's face with a damp cloth after use to prevent skin irritation or local fungal infections.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.