Triamcinolone topical Uses, Side Effects & Warnings (2024)

Generic name: triamcinolone topical [TRYE-am-SIN-oh-lone]
Brand names: Kenalog, Oralone, Triamcinolone Acetonide in Absorbase, Trianex, Triderm, ... show all 22 brands
Dosage forms: mucous membrane paste (0.1%), topical cream (0.025%; 0.1%; 0.5%), topical lotion (0.025%; 0.1%), ... show all 5 dosage forms
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 28, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is triamcinolone topical?

Triamcinolone is a potent steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Triamcinolone topical (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

The dental paste form of triamcinolone topical is used to treat mouth ulcers.

Triamcinolone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Triamcinolone topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Triamcinolone topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition;

• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

• possible signs of absorbing triamcinolone topical through your skin or gums--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects such as growth delay, headaches, or pain behind the eyes. A baby using this medicine may have a bulging soft spot (the top of the head where the skull hasn't yet grown together).

Common side effects of triamcinolone topical may include:

• burning, itching, dryness, or other irritation of treated skin;

• redness or crusting around your hair follicles;

• redness or itching around your mouth;

• allergic skin reaction;

• stretch marks;

• acne, increased body hair growth;

• thinning skin or discoloration; or

• white or "pruned" appearance of the skin (caused by covering treated skin with a tight bandage or other covering).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, hydroxyzine, fluticasone nasal, montelukast, methotrexate, dexamethasone, promethazine

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use triamcinolone if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of skin infection;

• a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;

• liver disease; or

• an adrenal gland disorder.

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you apply triamcinolone to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the nursing baby's mouth.

How should I use triamcinolone topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Triamcinolone topical cream, lotion, ointment, or spray is for use only on the skin. Triamcinolone dental paste is applied directly onto an ulcer inside the mouth and left in place.

Do not swallow triamcinolone topical.

Wash your hands before and after using triamcinolone topical, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

To use the dental paste, press a small dab onto the mouth ulcer but do not rub in the medicine. The dab will form a thin film that should be left in place for several hours. Triamcinolone dental paste is usually applied at bedtime and/or after meals. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse. A mouth ulcer should improve within 1 week of using triamcinolone dental paste.

You should stop using this medicine once your symptoms are controlled.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

High doses or long-term use of steroid medicine can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using triamcinolone topical?

Avoid getting triamcinolone topical in your eyes.

Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with triamcinolone unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not use triamcinolone topical to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

What other drugs will affect triamcinolone topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circ*mstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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