Fluticasone propionate is a glucocorticoid often prescribed as treatment for asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is marketed with the brand name Flixotide® and Flixonase® by Allen & Hanburys and Flovent® and Flonase® by GlaxoSmithKline.

How it works

The precise mechanisms of glucocorticoid action in asthma are unknown. Inflammation is recognized as an important component in the pathogenesis of asthma. Glucocorticoids have been shown to inhibit multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils) and mediator production or secretion (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and cytokines) involved in the asthmatic response. These anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids may contribute to their efficacy in asthma. Typically, however, the action on the cells affected requires several days. Therefore, inhaled steroids are not used for immediate relief of asthma, but instead as preventive and maintenance therapy.