Triamcinolone (Injection)

Triamcinolone (trye-am-SIN-oh-lone)

Treats inflammation, certain types of arthritis, and many other medical problems. Belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids.

Brand Name(s):

Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40, Triam-Forte, Triamcot, Aristocort Forte, Clinacort, Aristocort, Aristospan
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

Do not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to triamcinolone. You should not use triamcinolone if you have a fungal infection.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

 
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.  
• This medicine may be given into the buttocks, upper arm, thigh, or other large muscle. This is called an IM, or intramuscular (in-tra-MUSS-cue-lar) injection.  
• This medicine may be given into a joint such as a knee or shoulder. This is called an intraarticular (in-tra-are-TIC-you-lar) injection.

If a dose is missed:

 
• This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

 
• If you have your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.  
• If you have your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep the medicine at room temperature, away from heat. Do not freeze.  
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.  
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.  
• If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

 
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking insulin, diuretics (water pills), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantinreg;), rifampin, Coumadinreg;, or estrogen.  
• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

 
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.  
• Before using triamcinolone, let your doctor know if you have liver or thyroid problems, diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, or herpes simplex that affects your eyes.  
• Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on your skin.  
• It may be easier for you to get an infection while you are receiving triamcinolone. Avoid crowded places or being near people who are sick.  
• If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor right away.  
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are taking triamcinolone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

 
• Black or tarry stools  
• Muscle weakness or cramps  
• Unexplained fever, sore throat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

 
• Fluid retention, weight gain  
• Restlessness, anxiety, mood changes  
• Sweating  
• Redness of the face  
• Easy bruising, small purple spots on your skin  
• Thinning skin, acne  
• Increased hair growth  
• Irregular menstrual periods

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.