What is fluticasone topical?
Fluticasone is a steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Fluticasone topical (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.
Fluticasone topical should not be used to treat rosacea, severe acne, or viral skin infections such as chickenpox or herpes.
Fluticasone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about fluticasone topical?
Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Do not use fluticasone topical in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not apply to your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with fluticasone topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects.
Do not use this medication on a child without medical advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use.
Do not use fluticasone topical for longer than 2 weeks. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fluticasone topical?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to fluticasone or formaldehyde.
To make sure you can safely use fluticasone topical, tell your doctor if you have any type of skin infection.
Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Steroid medicines may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. You may also need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fluticasone topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether fluticasone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication on a child without medical advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.