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Overview: Topical fluticasone is used to treat skin conditions that involve inflammation and itchiness, including atopic dermatitis. Common side effects from topical fluticasone are skin reactions, such as redness, pain, and inflammation. Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where topical fluticasone is used, unless your health care provider said you should do so. Doing this could increase the amount of fluticasone in your blood and possibly increase side effects.

Uses

What is topical fluticasone used for?

Topical fluticasone ointment and cream are commonly used to treat atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions that cause inflammation and itchiness.

Topical fluticasone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical fluticasone work (mechanism of action)?

Fluticasone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming down the immune system's defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling.

How is topical fluticasone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Beser
  • Cutivate

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.05% topical cream
  • 0.05% topical lotion
  • 0.005% topical ointment

How should I store topical fluticasone?

Topical Ointment. Fluticasone topical ointment should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C).

Topical Lotion and Cream. Fluticasone topical lotion and cream should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate topical lotion, and keep the container tightly closed.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical fluticasone?

The most common side effects of topical fluticasone are listed below. Side effects may vary based on the product used. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin reactions (see below) 
  • Lightheadedness

There may be other side effects of topical fluticasone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical fluticasone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical fluticasone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical fluticasone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical fluticasone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Topical fluticasone can pass through your skin and cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use topical fluticasone over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying topical fluticasone, use topical fluticasone on damaged skin, or use topical fluticasone with other corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of a fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Topical fluticasone can cause Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is especially a concern if you use topical fluticasone over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying topical fluticasone, use topical fluticasone on damaged skin, or use topical fluticasone with other corticosteroids. Tell your health care provider if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Rounded, rosy face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • Thinning of skin
  • Acne
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Depressed mood or anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Sleep problems
  • Unusual hair growth

High Blood Sugar. Topical fluticasone may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if you use topical fluticasone over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying topical fluticasone, use topical fluticasone on damaged skin, or use topical fluticasone with other corticosteroids. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your bloodwork. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Skin Reactions. Topical fluticasone may cause skin-related side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects.

  • Inflamed hair follicles or skin swelling or burning
  • Bumps or blisters on the skin that may look like acne
  • Rash around your mouth
  • Lightening of skin color
  • Skin infections at the site of use
  • Skin thinning
  • Skin itching, dryness, cracking, or scaly skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands

Vision Problems. Fluticasone topical ointment may cause cataracts and glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Cloudy or foggy vision
  • Nearsightedness
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Problems with glare (such as traffic lights when driving at night)
  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical fluticasone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical fluticasone.

  • Fluticasone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical fluticasone products they stock.

What should I know about topical fluticasone before using it?

Do not use topical fluticasone unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share topical fluticasone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical fluticasone out of the reach of children.

Topical fluticasone is for use on the skin only. Keep fluticasone topical cream, ointment, and lotion away from areas such as your eyes, mouth, and vagina.

Avoid using topical fluticasone on your face, groin, or armpits, unless your health care provider said you should do so. 

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where topical fluticasone is applied, unless your health care provider said you should do so. This includes applying fluticasone topical lotion or cream to the diaper area. (Diapers or plastic pants may seal the area.)

Stop using fluticasone topical lotion or cream once the skin condition is under control. 

If no improvement in your skin is seen within two weeks of using topical fluticasone, tell your health care provider right away.

Topical fluticasone, when used on children, may slow their height and weight growth. The risk may be higher in those who use it for an extended period of time. Tell your child’s health care provider if you have concerns about their growth.

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical fluticasone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if topical fluticasone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical fluticasone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical fluticasone, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Topical fluticasone can cause reduced adrenal function. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have any adrenal gland problems.

Diabetes. Topical fluticasone can increase your blood sugar. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have diabetes.

Liver Problems. Liver problems can increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any known or suspected liver problems. 

Skin Infections. Tell your health care provider if you have a skin infection. The infection may need to be treated before you use topical fluticasone.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Thinning of the skin at the affected site
  • Cataracts or glaucoma
  • Allergy to formaldehyde (topical lotion)

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical fluticasone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical fluticasone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use topical fluticasone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical fluticasone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical fluticasone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical fluticasone.

Does topical fluticasone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using or taking any other corticosteroid, including medicines you take by mouth as well as other medicines you apply to the skin. Examples include dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and prednisone, which are medicines for certain inflammatory conditions.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical fluticasone. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical fluticasone?

If you or someone else has used too much topical fluticasone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical fluticasone?

If you miss your scheduled dose of topical fluticasone, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply fluticasone more often than prescribed.