What is topical triamcinolone used for?
Topical triamcinolone is commonly used to reduce inflammation and itching of the skin.
Topical triamcinolone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does topical triamcinolone work (mechanism of action)?
Topical triamcinolone works by blocking certain substances that cause inflammation and itching of the skin.
How is topical triamcinolone supplied (dosage forms)?
Topical triamcinolone is available in the following dosage forms that are applied to the skin.
- 0.025%, 0.1%, 0.5% topical cream
- 0.025%, 0.1% topical lotion
- 0.025%, 0.1%, 0.5% topical ointment
- 0.0147% topical spray
How should I store topical triamcinolone?
Topical triamcinolone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze topical triamcinolone lotion. Do not puncture topical triamcinolone spray or expose it to excessive heat.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of topical triamcinolone?
The most common side effects of topical triamcinolone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Local skin irritation, rash, itching, burning, or dryness
- Pale skin
- Thin skin
- Pimples
- Stretch marks
There may be other side effects of topical triamcinolone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of topical triamcinolone?
While less common, the most serious side effects of topical triamcinolone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical triamcinolone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical triamcinolone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Local Skin Reactions. Topical triamcinolone may cause severe skin reactions. Stop using topical triamcinolone and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of severe skin reactions.
- Skin irritation, redness, swelling, bleeding, sores, and blisters at the application site
- Painful skin infection
Cushing’s Syndrome. Rarely, topical triamcinolone, with large doses or when used for a long time, may increase the risk for Cushing’s syndrome. This happens due to high levels of a hormone called cortisol. The risk may be higher in children. Stop using topical triamcinolone and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.
- A rounded, rosy color of the face
- Weight gain, especially in the upper body
- A fat buildup in the upper back or base of the neck
- Thinning skin that bruises easily
- Feeling very weak or tired
- Depression or anxiety
- High blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- Sleeping problems
Reduced Adrenal Function. Large doses or long-term use of topical triamcinolone can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. It may be more common in children. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your adrenal function. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
- Low blood pressure
Slow Growth. Topical triamcinolone may slow down growth in children and adolescents who are still growing. Talk with the healthcare provider if you have any concerns about how your child is growing.
Increased Blood Sugar. Topical triamcinolone may increase your blood sugar levels. This can sometimes cause you to have sugar in your pee (called glucosuria). Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use topical triamcinolone?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical triamcinolone.
- Aristocort
- Aristocort A
- Triderm
- Triamcinolone
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical triamcinolone products they stock.
What should I know about topical triamcinolone before using it?
Do not use topical triamcinolone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share topical triamcinolone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep topical triamcinolone out of the reach of children.
After using topical triamcinolone, do not bandage, tightly cover, or wrap the area unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on your child while using topical triamcinolone in the diaper area. Covering or wrapping the area can increase the amount of topical triamcinolone your body is exposed to, which can cause harm.
Topical triamcinolone is only to be applied to the skin. Avoid using it near the eyes, lips, or nostrils. If the medicine gets into your mouth or eyes, rinse your eyes or mouth with water right away.
If you have been using topical triamcinolone for two weeks and your skin condition is not getting better, let your healthcare provider know.
Stay away from open flames, excessive heat, and avoid smoking when using triamcinolone topical spray, as the spray can catch on fire.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical triamcinolone?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical triamcinolone is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Skin Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any skin problems including infections, cuts, scrapes, sunburn, or dry skin before using topical triamcinolone.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical triamcinolone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical triamcinolone, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical triamcinolone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical triamcinolone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical triamcinolone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical triamcinolone while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does topical triamcinolone interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between topical triamcinolone and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical triamcinolone.
Does topical triamcinolone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions, before using topical triamcinolone.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical triamcinolone. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Does Triamcinolone Acetonide topical interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical triamcinolone?
If you or someone else has used too much topical triamcinolone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of topical triamcinolone?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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