Overview

This medicine is a synthetic glucocorticoid and was first approved in 1958 by the FDA or Food and Drug Administration. This product then is nothing new as it has been around for quite some time already.

Triamcinolone comes in several forms, which are cream, lotion, ointment, and topical spray. It is available as well in both generic and brand name versions. The dosage and usage of this product depend on the exact type of Triamcinolone prescribed, and will also be based on different factors such as age, weight, and condition.

Some examples of triamcinolone topicals are:

• Kenalog topical spray
• Mykacet such as nystatin and Triamcinolone acetonide
• Triderm
• Triamcinolone acetonide which is available in several generic brands

The most common examples of injectable Triamcinolone are the following:

• Aristopan like triamcinolone hexacetonide
• Kenalog
• Triesence
• Triamcinolone acetonide
• Zilretta

Other common brands of Triamcinolone are:

• Nasacort which is a nasal spray
• Triamcinolone dental paste

Side Effects

Users of this product are advised to read the label and oxybutynin medication guide to know about its possible side effects and if this product is compatible with them. Triamcinolone has some known common and severe side effects.

Common side effects

• Rapid weight gain
• Water retention
• Shortness of breath
• Mood changes
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Anxiety or restlessness

If the side effects become severe or serious, consult your doctor right away.

Serious side effects

• Severe mood changes or depression
• Bloody or black stools
• Muscle weakness
• Confusion
• Very high blood pressure
• Fast heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Blurred vision
• Severe headache
• Seizure
• Pancreatitis which is an inflammation of the pancreas and its symptoms are a pain in the upper stomach area, nausea or vomiting

The ones mentioned here are only some of the known side effects of Triamcinolone, but there is more. It would be best to talk to your doctor first before using this product to discuss other potential side effects or risk that comes from using this product. In case you develop new or unusual symptoms while under this allergic treatment, see your doctor immediately.

Indication and Dosage

The dosage for this medication varies depending on the type of product that you are using. Its various forms are: topical, nasal spray, dental paste, or injectable, and the eczema doctor will prescribe which formulation is best for your condition as well as the appropriate dosage.  

Your dosage may further be adjusted if you have any of these conditions:

• Liver problems
• Stomach problems
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes

Topical

The strength of the topical form of Triamcinolone ranges from .025 to 0.5%, while the topical spray is 0.147mg per gram. The doctor will recommend the strength of Triamcinolone based on the patient’s condition and the illness being treated.

The topical form is usually applied 2 to 4 times a day and is most effective when used on wet skin.

Dental Paste

When using the dental paste version, apply a thin film on the injured area, and do not rub the paste as it will become crumbly and gritty. It is most effective when used at bedtime, and the average usage would be 2 to 3 times a day or may also depend on your doctor’s instructions.

Injectable

The injectable form of Triamcinolone is available in different versions, such as intramuscular, intra-articular, and intravitreal. The dosage will depend on the treatment and the type of Triamcinolone that will be used. All injectable versions are to be done in the doctor’s clinic.

Adults (intramuscular injection):

For the intramuscular injection, meaning injection into the muscle, the dosage ranges from 40mg to 80mg at the start of the treatment. This kind of treatment continues depending on the person’s response to the procedure and is only done when the topical treatment did not work.

It is usually used for patients with severe allergies, arthritis, or skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

Adults (intravitreal injection):

For injection into the eye or the intravitreal method, the starting dosage is 4mg, but for eye surgery, the dose ranges from 1mg to 4mg. This kind of treatment is used for eye and mouth inflammation.

Adults (intra- articular injection):

Intra- articular injection, which is an injection into a joint, is used to treat osteoarthritis knee pain. For this particular method, only the brand name Zilretta is used, and there cannot be an alternative. No other forms of triamcinolone acetonide injectable may be used. For this treatment, a one- time dose of 32mg is implemented.

Other injectable Triamcinolone is available to treat various conditions, and dosages depend on the illness being treated as well as the type of injection used.

Children:

For children, the appropriate dosage is based on their weight and the condition being treated.

Nasal Spray

As for the usage and dosage in using the nasal spray, the average would be:

For adults and children 12 years old and up, the dosage begins with two sprays in each nostril once a day, and the daily dosage can be reduced to a minimum to prevent side effects.

For children from 6 years old to 11, dosage starts with one spray in each nostril once per day, and if necessary, it can be increased to 2 sprays per nostril daily.

For children with ages 2 to 5 years old, the average dosage would be one spray in each nostril once a day.

Drug Interaction

This product may cause drug interactions with other medicines, so if you are taking any other medications, whether it is over- the- counter, supplements, herbal or prescription, let your doctor know about them before starting to use Triamcinolone.  

Drug interactions may depend on:

• The kind of Triamcinolone you are taking
• Other medications you might have
• Patient’s age
• User’s other medical or health conditions

Topical Triamcinolone generally comes with fewer interactions, and corticosteroids like injectable Triamcinolone may interact with several other medications.

Warnings and Precautions

Important warnings about Triamcinolone

• This medication may cause your immune system to weaken and can make you vulnerable to infection
• If you have an infection, do not take Triamcinolone. Also, avoid people who have one
• If you are under treatment for Triamcinolone, do not take live vaccines. Consult your doctor for information
• If you are having symptoms of infection like fever, chills and body aches, see your doctor immediately
• This medicine can cause severe allergic reactions, so if you have had a reaction to corticosteroids, inform your doctor prior to the use of this product

When to seek emergency care

It is important to know that Triamcinolone can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 right away:

• A sense that something is wrong or having a strange feeling
• Breathing difficulty or catching your breath
• Swelling, hives or rash
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea
• Irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest
• A feeling of dying or doom

Inform your doctor if you have had a reaction to Triamcinolone in the past, and pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor first before taking this product.

This medication may also delay growth in children, so it is best to discuss with your pediatrician about the risks of using Triamcinolone.

Overdose and Contraindications

The use of Triamcinolone is only for your current condition. It is not intended to be used for other skin problems unless instructed by the doctor, as you may need to use other medicines.  

Lab tests such as adrenal gland function tests may be done periodically to check for the presence of side effects as well as your progress. This procedure will most likely be done if you have used Triamcinolone for an extended period or if you have applied it in a large area of your body.

You must tell your doctors that you are using or have used this medicine.

Clinical Pharmacology

To safely use this product, ask your pharmacist or your doctor to show you how to properly use the nasal spray, dental paste, or other forms that you are not sure how to use.

Special instructions for use

Use this product exactly how your doctor instructed.

• Always remember to wash your hands after every application of triamcinolone lotion, cream or ointment to your skin
• Simply expose the area after applying for this medicine unless told otherwise by the doctor
• Keep topical products away from your nose and eyes
• All forms of injectable Triamcinolone are usually done in the doctor’s clinic
• Do not share your medicine with anyone else

Medication Guide

Like Triamcinolone, the corticosteroid is used to treat several conditions that may be caused by an overreaction from the immune system.

Triamcinolone comes in different forms and strengths and is also available in combination with other medicines like nystatin, which is used to treat fungal infections.

Inform your doctor about all your other medications to relieve nausea before using this product, and do not suddenly stop using Triamcinolone as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms and bipolar. Consult your doctor about how to stop the treatment gradually.