Triamcinolone



Aristocort®; Aristocort® A; Aristospan®; Azmacort®; Kenalog®; Kenalog-10®; Kenalog-40®; Nasacort® AQ; Triderm®; Tri-Nasal®







Triamcinolone

(trye am SIN oh lone)

U.S. Brand Names
Aristocort®; Aristocort® A; Aristospan®; Azmacort®; Kenalog®; Kenalog-10®; Kenalog-40®; Nasacort® AQ; Triderm®; Tri-Nasal®
Canadian Brand Names
Aristospan®; Kenalog®; Kenalog® in Orabase; Nasacort® AQ; Oracort; Triaderm; Trinasal®
Mexican Brand Names
Triamsicort®
Pharmacologic Category
Corticosteroid, Adrenal; Corticosteroid, Inhalant (Oral); Corticosteroid, Nasal; Corticosteroid, Systemic; Corticosteroid, Topical
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • When switching from an oral steroid to an inhaled one, there can be problems. Symptoms such as weakness, feeling tired, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, inability to think clearly, or low blood sugar may occur. Call healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. If you have a serious accident and are injured, have surgery, or any type of infection, you may need extra doses of oral steroids. These extra steroids will help your body deal with these stresses. Carry a warning card saying that you may need extra steroids at certain times.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to triamcinolone or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have a severe infection.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve allergy symptoms.
  • This medicine is used to treat poor adrenal function.
  • This medicine is used to treat asthma. It may take 2 weeks to see the full effect.
  • This medicine is used to treat diseases where the anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant properties are needed.
  • This medicine is used to treat nasal congestion. It may take 2 weeks to see the full effect.
  • This medicine is used to treat a variety of skin rashes.
  • This medicine is used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus.
How does it work?
  • Triamcinolone replaces an important chemical produced in the body.
  • It prevents or reduces irritation and swelling.
  • It blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
  • It decreases the body's harmful response to diseases affecting the immune system.
How is it best taken?
  • Oral inhalation:
  • Shake aerosol well before use.
  • A spacer can be used with the inhaler for easier delivery. Children younger than 8 years of age should use a spacer.
  • Rinse out mouth after each use.
  • Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Read and follow all instructions provided with inhaler. Using the inhaler the right way is very important.
  • Oral:
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • Take this medicine in the morning if taking once a day.
  • A liquid (syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Nasal:
  • For the nose only.
  • Shake well before use.
  • Blow your nose before use.
  • Check spray use with healthcare provider at each visit.
  • Skin:
  • Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Clean affected area before use. Make sure to dry well.
  • Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • All forms:
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
  • Oral:
  • If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks, talk with healthcare provider before stopping. You may want to gradually withdraw this medicine.
  • Do not run out of this medicine.
  • This medicine is not helpful during an asthma attack.
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider. This medicine can increase blood sugar.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
  • Skin:
  • Do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child treated in the diaper area. This may cause more medicine to get into the child's system.
  • Do not put coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) over the area unless told to do so by healthcare provider.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Oral:
  • High blood sugar. Can cause diabetes mellitus while on medicine, usually reverses when stopped.
  • Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Weight gain.
  • Change in body fat distribution.
  • Weakened bones.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Skin changes (acne, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth).
  • Cataracts or glaucoma with long-term use.
  • Oral inhalation:
  • Headache.
  • Nasal congestion.
  • Mouth infection.
  • Nasal:
  • Headache.
  • Nasal irritation.
  • Skin:
  • Skin irritation.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • If a child is using this medicine, monitor growth carefully.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Feeling extremely tired, weak, or irritable; trembling; having a fast heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness if you missed a dose or recently stopped this medicine.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Oral inhalation:
  • Store aerosol and powder at room temperature. Do not freeze aerosol. Throw away any unused powder after 2 months.
  • Protect aerosol from light.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: