Aristocort
Triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid. It is administered either as an oral metered-dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma (Azmacort), as a topical preparation for the skin (Kenalog; Aristocort) or as a nasal spray (Nasac...
- Drug Name
Aristocort (Triamcinolone)
- Drug Uses
Triamcinolone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Triamcinolone reduces swelling and decreases the body's immune response. Triamcinolone is used in the treatment of many different conditions. It is used to treat endocrine (hormonal) disorders when the body does not produce enough of its own steroids. It is also used to treat many immune and allergic disorders, such as allergic reactions, skin reactions, arthritis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, gout, lupus, psoriasis, asthma, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, and others.
- How Taken
Before use of the nasal spray or inhaler, the nose should be blown gently, and the inhaler or spray should be shaken. The head should be tilted backwards, with the nozzle inserted into one nostril, the opening of the nozzle toward the swollen area. The other nostril should be closed. and the spray or inhaler activated while breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. The inhaler or spray should be cleaned daily. The canister should be removed from the inhaler, rinsing the cap, nosepiece, and the inhaler with warm water and then drying them thoroughly.
- Drug Class and Mechanism
Triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid. It is administered either as an oral metered-dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma (Azmacort), as a topical preparation for the skin (Kenalog; Aristocort) or as a nasal spray (Nasacort AQ) or inhaler (Nasacort) for relieving symptoms of rhinitis.
Corticosteroids are naturally occurring hormones that prevent or suppress inflammation and immune responses. When given by intranasal spray or inhaler, triamcinolone acetonide provides relief from allergy-induced watery nasal discharge (rhinorrhea), nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing, and itching of the back of the throat. Sometimes the symptoms associated with allergy also are relieved. Approximately 50% of the triamcinolone acetonide is absorbed into the blood. A beneficial response usually is noted within a few days but can take as long as 4 weeks.
- Missed Dose
If you take one oral dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and take only the regular daily dose.
If you take more than one oral dose daily, you can either take the missed dose as soon as you remember, or you can take two doses (the one you missed plus the regularly scheduled dose) when it is time for the next dose.
If you take one oral dose every other day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular every-other-day schedule.
- Storage
The inhaler and spray should be stored at room temperature, 59-86°F (15-30°C) and protected from heat, and direct light.
- Warnings/Precautions
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol and triamcinolone can be damaging to the stomach. Avoid sources of infection. Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from the mouth and eyes. The immune system may be weakened while using triamcinolone. Do not receive any immunizations during treatment with triamcinolone without first talking to your doctor. No drug interactions have been described with nasal triamcinolone. Serious complications (including cleft palate and still births) have been reported when oral corticosteroids were administered during pregnancy. It is not known if the small amounts of corticosteroids that appear in the blood following intranasal use carry the same risk. Triamcinolone acetonide use during pregnancy should be avoided unless the physician feels that the potential therapeutic benefit justifies the risk to the fetus. It is unknown whether triamcinolone acetonide accumulates in breast milk. However, it is known that other corticosteroids are excreted in breast milk. The effects on the child, if any, are unknown.
- Possible Side Effects
The most common side effects following nasal inhalation of triamcinolone acetonide are nasal irritation and itching, increased cough, nausea or vomiting, sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal burning, bloody nasal discharge, and nasal dryness. Other adverse effects reported with intranasal triamcinolone acetonide include headache, dizziness, and watery eyes. All of these are either mild or uncommon.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred vision);
- sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a day or two); or
- pain, redness, or skin changes at the site of injection.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use triamcinolone and talk to your doctor if you experience
- insomnia;
- nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
- fatigue or dizziness;
- muscle weakness;
- problems with diabetes control; or
- increased hunger or thirst.
Other side effects that occur only rarely, usually with high doses of triamcinolone, include
- acne;
- increased hair growth;
- thinning of the skin;
- cataracts;
- glaucoma;
- osteoporosis;
- roundness of the face; or
- changes in behavior.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Aristocort
