Triamcinolone is a prescription medication used to treat various conditions. It is part of a group of medications known as corticosteroids, or "steroids" for short.
There are several different triamcinolone products:
- Triamcinolone inhaler (Azmacort®)
- Triamcinolone nasal spray (Nasacort AQ®)
- Triamcinolone injection (Amcort®, Aristospan®, Cinolone®, Clinacort™, Clinalog™, Cortilone™, Cortinide™, Kenalog®, Robalog™, Sano Log™, TAC®-3)
- Triamcinolone cream or ointment (Cinalog™, Triderm®)
- Triamcinolone dental paste or cream (Delta Tritex™)
- Triamcinolone spray (Kenalog® Spray).
Inhaled triamcinolone is used to treat
asthma, while triamcinolone nasal spray is used to treat allergic rhinitis (irritated, stuffy, or runny nose due to
allergies). The triamcinolone injection is used to treat the following conditions:
The triamcinolone cream, ointment, and spray are used to treat various skin conditions, including (but not limited to):
Triamcinolone dental paste or cream is used to treat certain mouth sores.
Triamcinolone is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids, or steroids for short. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation, helping to relieve the pain or other symptoms of several conditions. Because corticosteroids can have serious side effects (especially when used over long periods of time), it is beneficial to use triamcinolone products only when needed (such as inhaled into the lungs for
asthma or applied to the skin for a rash).
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular triamcinolone product
- Your age
- The severity of your condition
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Triamcinolone
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with this drug. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of the inhalers include, but are not limited to:
Common side effects of the nasal spray include, but are not limited to:
- A sore throat
- A bloody nose
- Coughing.
Common side effects of the injection include, but are not limited to:
- Pain
- Irritation near the injection site
- Lightening or darkening of the skin near the injection site.
Common side effects of the cream, spray, or ointment include, but are not limited to:
- Burning
- Itching
- Irritation
- Dryness.
Triamcinolone can potentially interact with many medications, depending on the particular type of triamcinolone product.
(For more information on triamcinolone drug interactions, see each specific product within the eMedTV Web site.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
In studies, high doses of triamcinolone (especially inhaled or topical triamcinolone) did not cause serious problems. However, if you happen to overdose on triamcinolone, seek medical attention immediately.
Triamcinolone should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Keep triamcinolone and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your triamcinolone as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
More Triamcinolone Information
For more information about the different triamcinolone products, please see the particular medication within the eMedTV Web site by clicking on any of the links above.
