Flovent (generic name: fluticasone propionate; brand names include: Flohale / Flixotide) is a corticosteroid used for preventing or reducing the frequency and seriousness of bronchial asthma attacks in patients 4 years of age and older.

Flovent works by decreasing swelling and inflammation in the airways in response to allergens and irritants in the air. It works directly in the lungs to make breathing easier and prevents chest tightness, wheezing and coughing caused by asthma.

Flovent is supplied as 50 / 125 mcg metered dose inhalers (120 MDI) under the brand name Flohale.

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Flovent exactly as directed.

Before using Flovent, be sure that the canister is properly placed in the inhaler unit. Shake well before each use. Breathe out slowly and completely. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Your doctor may have told you to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3 centimeters) away from the open mouth or to use a special spacing device. As you start to take a slow deep breath, press the canister and mouthpiece together at exactly the same time. This will release a dose of Flovent. Continue breathing in slowly and deeply and hold for as long as comfortable, then breathe out slowly through pursed lips or your nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a few minutes and repeat the above steps. Keep the spray away from your eyes.

After inhaling, rinse your mouth with water without swallowing.

It is very important that you use Flovent regularly. Do not stop treatment, even if you are feeling better, unless your doctor tells you to. It may take 2 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of the medication.

Keep track of the number of sprays you use and subtract this number from the number of doses in the container. This will help you know when the container is becoming empty.

If you miss a dose, just take your next scheduled dose when it is due. Do not double the dose.

Flovent is not used to relieve an acute asthma attack. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (e.g., albuterol, salbutamol) as prescribed.

For best results, the canister should be at room temperature before use.

Precautions

Before you start taking Flovent, tell your doctor if;

you are allergic to any medicines;
you are taking a medicine containing ritonavir (commonly used to treat HIV infection or AIDS);
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: fluticasone propionate.