Flonase is a nasal spray prescribed for nasal allergies The

Flonase is a nasal spray prescribed for nasal allergies. The structure of the active ingredient in Flonase is shown below. 1. Based on the structure, this agent would likely act as what type of anti-inflammatory drug? 2. Which of the inflammatory mediators listed in the class notes would likely be reduced by Flonase? Indicate the expected mechanism for each inflammatory mediator reduction.

Solution

Answer:

1. The steroid core structure is composed of seventeen carbon atoms, bonded in four fused rings: three six-member cyclohexane rings (rings A, B and C in the first illustration) and one five-member cyclopentane ring (the D ring).

So, based upon structure similarity, flosan would likely act as a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (steroidal nasal spray).

2. (Since no inflammatory mediators listed in the class notes have been provided, names of inflammatory mediators whose effects are reduced or blocked by flosan have been given along with a general mechanism of action)

Flonase acts on multiple allergic substances such as histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines, tryptases, chemokines and leukotrienes.

The exact mechanism of action of fluticasone is not known; however, it stimulates glucocorticoid receptors in humans that produces a potent anti-inflammatory response.