What it means
A corticosteroidkor-tih-koh-STER-oydA drug that acts like the hormones of the adrenal glands, used mainly to calm inflammation and the immune system.cortic/o cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal gland)-oid likeFull entry that calms inflammation where it is put. Inhaled, it is a daily controller for asthmaAZ-muhA long-term lung disease in which the airways become inflamed and narrow from time to time.Full entry and COPD (alone or combined with salmeterol, as in Advair); it does not stop an attack that has already started. As a nasal spray it treats allergy symptoms, and as a cream or ointment it treats itchy, inflamed skin. Inhaled forms can cause hoarseness and thrush (a yeast infection of the mouth).
For the nurse
Teach the client to use the inhaler every day even when well, to rinse the mouth with water and spit after each use, and to keep a quick-relief inhaler for attacks. If a quick-relief inhaler is also due, it is usually used first.
At a glance
| Drug class | corticosteroid (inhaled, nasal and topical) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Flovent HFA, Flovent Diskus, Arnuity Ellipta, Flonase, Cutivate |
| Spanish | fluticasona |
| Also written | Flovent, Flovent Diskus, Arnuity Ellipta, Flonase, Cutivate |
Related terms
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.
corticosteroid
A drug that acts like the hormones of the adrenal glands, used mainly to calm inflammation and the immune system.
asthma
A long-term lung disease in which the airways become inflamed and narrow from time to time.
candidiasis
An infection caused by Candida, a yeast (a kind of fungus).