triamcinolone topical

What is the most important information I should know about triamcinolone topical?

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.

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using triamcinolone topical?

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

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

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

What are the possible side effects of triamcinolone topical?

• 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 this medicine 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 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.

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.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about triamcinolone topical.