Flovent vs Flonase – detailed comparison:
Flovent
It is the brand name of a medication called fluticasone that belongs to the class of medications known as inhaled corticosteroids.
It works by decreasing irritation and swelling in the airways to allow easier breathing.
Uses
This prescription medication is typically used to prevent chest tightness, difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing caused by asthma.
Notes – it will not work fast enough to treat an asthma attack. Therefore, this medication is not a rescue medicine. It is for use in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.
Dosage
The usual recommended dose is 88 mcg twice per day. Your healthcare provider may increase the dose if your symptoms have not improved after at least 14 days or decrease it when your symptoms are controlled.
Note – to minimize the risk of a mouth infection, rinse the mouth thoroughly with water after taking this medicine.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- deepened voice;
- sinus pain;
- hoarseness;
- a sore throat;
- chest tightness;
- sneezing;
- a stuffy nose;
- headaches;
- wheezing;
- upset stomach;
- a cough;
- vomiting;
- low fever;
- nausea;
- sores on your lips or inside your mouth;
- white patches.
Rare side effects may include:
- worsening of your asthma symptoms;
- a feeling like you might pass out;
- chest pain;
- tired feeling;
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- weakness;
- seeing halos around lights;
- breathing problems after using this inhaled corticosteroid;
- clay-colored stools;
- numbness;
- eye pain;
- dark urine;
- loss of appetite;
- tunnel vision;
- upper stomach pain;
- blurred vision;
- skin rash;
- unexplained weight loss.
To make sure that this inhaled corticosteroid is safe for you, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
- cataracts;
- any type of infection (viral, bacterial, or fungal);
- glaucoma;
- tuberculosis;
- an infection caused by parasites (like – malaria, giardia, hookworm, leishmaniasis, pinworm, or toxoplasmosis);
- a weak immune system;
- low bone mineral density;
- liver disease;
- herpes infection of the eyes.
Long-term use of steroids may lead to osteoporosis, particularly if you do not exercise if you smoke tobacco, if you have a diet rich in animal protein, or if you do not get enough vitamin D (also known as the sunshine vitamin).
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
It is not known exactly whether this medicine passes into breast milk or if it could negatively affect a nursing baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding a baby.
Also, it is not known precisely whether this inhaled corticosteroid will harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant.
Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
- steroid medicines, such as – prednisone or dexamethasone;
- HIV/AIDS medication, such as – delavirdine, atazanavir, fosamprenavir, nelfinavir, lopinavir, or saquinavir;
- nasalcrom;
- antifungal medications, such as – ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole;
- an antibiotic, such as – erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin;
- nefazodone.
Alcohol
It has no known interactions with alcohol.
Flonase
This nasal spray contains fluticasone, which belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids.
This corticosteroid helps prevent the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Its effects develop within 2 to 4 hours after intranasal administration.
Uses
It is used to prevent allergy symptoms, like – sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. Moreover, it reduces swelling and is an adjunctive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
Note – it is an over-the-counter topical steroid spray, hence, you don’t need a prescription. Do not use this medicine in a child younger than 4 years old.
Dosage
The usual recommended dose is 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once a day as needed.
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- headaches;
- white patches around the nose;
- back pain:
- sinus pain;
- a sore throat;
- sneezing;
- a cough;
Less common side effects may include:
- nausea;
- seeing halos around lights;
- fever;
- blurred vision;
- vomiting;
- eye pain;
- chills;
- any wound that will not heal;
- noisy breathing;
- flu-like symptoms;
- ongoing nosebleeds;
- loss of interest in sex;
- menstrual problems;
- weakness;
- slow growth in children;
- crusting around your nostrils;
- sores or white patches in the throat.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
There are no well-done clinical studies for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Tell your doctor that you are breastfeeding before using this nasal spray.
It is not known exactly whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
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Drug Interactions
It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:
- Cymbalta (duloxetine);
- albuterol;
- hydrochlorothiazide;
- Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin);
- lisinopril;
- atorvastatin;
- trisodium phophate;
- melatonin;
- Claritin (loratadine);
- metformin;
- gabapentin;
- Singulair (montelukast);
- ibuprofen;
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol);
- levothyroxine;
- Zyrtec (cetirizine);
- omeprazole;
- trazodone;
- prednisone;
- tramadol;
- ProAir HFA (albuterol).
Alcohol
It has no known interactions with alcohol.
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Bottom Line – Flovent vs Flonase
Flovent (active ingredient – fluticasone) is a corticosteroid that is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Flonase (active ingredient – fluticasone) belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids. This nasal spray works by blocking the release of certain natural substances that may cause allergy symptoms.
Both medications contain the same active ingredient, and they effectively prevent the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. However, both have plenty of side effects and don’t treat the real cause of the problem.
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5 Home Remedies For Asthma
Asthma is a condition characterized by difficulty breathing and narrowing of the airways leading to the lungs (including the nasal passageways, nose, larynx, and mouth).
Currently, over 34 million people in the United States have asthma, approximately 7 million to 8 million of which are children. Here are a few natural remedies for this condition:
#1 Eucalyptus Oil
It is an effective treatment for asthma symptoms due to its decongestant properties. Research indicates that this essential oil contains a chemical called eucalyptol that can help break up mucus.
#2 Turmeric
This spice has been the subject of many studies, and it has been found to have potent anti-allergy properties. It is also thought that turmeric has an effect on histamines, compounds in the body that can cause inflammation.
#3 Vitamin C
It is an antioxidant that helps detoxify the body. This is is why some research suggests that consuming more foods rich in vitamin C reduces wheezing and inflammation.
#4 Ginger
It is an effective natural treatment for many different ailments, including asthma. Researchers have established that ginger can help inhibit airway contraction and reduce airway inflammation.
#5 Garlic
It has been used as a natural remedy to manage many diseases, especially cardiovascular disease, due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic is also useful for asthmatics.
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References https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00426283 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4319193/ https://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/04/briefing/2004-4067b1_10