Abstract

Intranasal administration of medications offers a non-invasive and convenient route for drug delivery. Fluticasone, a potent corticosteroid, is commonly administered intranasally for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and other nasal inflammatory conditions. Understanding the systemic bioavailability of intranasal fluticasone is crucial for assessing its overall pharmacokinetic profile and potential effects on systemic circulation. This study aimed to explore the systemic bioavailability of intranasal fluticasone through a comprehensive pharmacokinetic evaluation. A randomized, crossover design was employed, involving healthy volunteers receiving both intranasal and intravenous administrations of fluticasone. Blood samples were collected at predetermined intervals, and plasma concentrations of fluticasone were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Preliminary results indicate a notable systemic presence of fluticasone following intranasal administration. The calculated area under the curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentrations (C_max) demonstrated considerable systemic exposure, albeit lower than that of intravenous administration. These findings suggest that while primarily targeted locally, intranasal fluticasone can contribute to systemic circulation, necessitating cautious consideration in certain patient populations. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the potential clinical implications of the observed systemic bioavailability. Factors such as nasal mucosal permeability, metabolism, and individual variations could impact the extent of systemic exposure. This study sheds light on the complex interplay between local and systemic effects of intranasal fluticasone and underscores the importance of a comprehensive understanding of its pharmacokinetics.