Flovent, the brand name for the generic drug fluticasone propionate, is a prescription inhalation aerosol used to alleviate or prevent asthma symptoms in patients who are at least 4-years-old. This medication is a type of corticosteroid that works by decreasing inflammation within a patient's airways. This allows oxygen to flow more easily into the lungs. A parent or caregiver should discuss Flovent side effects on children with a doctor before administering this medication.
Growth Delays
The use of corticosteroids such as Flovent can cause growth delays in children. In clinical trials for this medication, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that children receiving Flovent grew on average approximately 1cm less in height each year than children receiving placebo, or inactive, treatment. Due to these Flovent side effects on children, pediatric patients should be monitored by a doctor for the duration of treatment to ensure appropriate growth milestones are met.
Upset Stomach
After taking a dose of Flovent, children may experience stomach upset side effects. These side effects can include nausea, diarrhea or vomiting, warns PDRHealth. Additionally, diarrhea can cause abdominal bloating, cramping or pain in certain children. Stomach upset symptoms can be uncomfortable and may contribute to loss of appetite in certain children.
Lung, Ear or Nasal Infections
Inhalation of this medication can irritate a child's airways. As a result, certain children using Flovent can experience recurrent lung, nasal or ear infections as a side effect of treatment. Symptoms associated with infection require medical attention and can include earache, body pains, fever, headache, chills or sore throat, warns Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website.
Oral or Nasal Dryness
Oral or nasal dryness can occur as a side effect in children taking Flovent. Some children can experience dry mouth, vocal hoarseness, nasal congestion, cough or sinus pain, explains Drugs.com. These side effects can contribute to sore throat, increased thirst, difficulty eating or decreased appetite in children.
Oral Thrush
Treatment with Flovent can increase a child's risk of developing oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth. Symptoms of oral thrush include oral itching, dry mouth, mouth pain, cracked bleeding lips, taste distortion, and white, fuzzy oral skin lesions. Children who experience these oral side effects of Flovent may complain that their mouth hurts or that it is painful for them to chew or drink certain food items. Affected children should be seen by a medical professional, as additional antifungal medication may be necessary to resolve oral thrush symptoms.
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