Triamcinolone 0.025% Cream 15gm
It is used to treat skin rashes and other skin irritation.
Drug Class
Topical corticosteroid
Pharmacologic Class
Glucocorticoid
Pregnancy Category
C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Triamcinolone cream is a type of steroid medicine applied to the skin. It helps reduce redness, itching, and swelling caused by various skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
How to Use This Medicine
Proper Use of This Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Use this medication only as directed and on the skin only. Avoid getting it in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause irritation.
Continue using the medication as instructed, even if your symptoms improve. Before and after applying the medication, wash your hands thoroughly. However, if the treated area is on your hand, do not wash your hand after application.
Prepare the affected area by cleaning it before use and drying it well. Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in. Unless instructed by your doctor, do not apply the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area.
Avoid covering the treated area with bandages, dressings, or tight-fitting diapers and plastic pants, as this may increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body. Do not use this medication to treat diaper rash, and avoid applying it to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature, avoiding freezing. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of medications, consult your pharmacist, who may be aware of drug take-back programs in your area.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not apply two doses at the same time or use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Use this medication only as directed and on the skin only. Avoid getting it in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause irritation.
Continue using the medication as instructed, even if your symptoms improve. Before and after applying the medication, wash your hands thoroughly. However, if the treated area is on your hand, do not wash your hand after application.
Prepare the affected area by cleaning it before use and drying it well. Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in. Unless instructed by your doctor, do not apply the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area.
Avoid covering the treated area with bandages, dressings, or tight-fitting diapers and plastic pants, as this may increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body. Do not use this medication to treat diaper rash, and avoid applying it to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature, avoiding freezing. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of medications, consult your pharmacist, who may be aware of drug take-back programs in your area.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not apply two doses at the same time or use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Apply a thin layer to the affected skin area as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times a day.
- Wash your hands before and after applying the cream.
- Do not use more than prescribed or for longer than recommended.
- Do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as this can increase absorption and side effects.
- Avoid applying the cream to your eyes, mouth, or inside your nose.
- Do not use on the face, groin, or armpits unless specifically directed by your doctor, as these areas are more prone to side effects.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Triamcinolone 0.5% Cream 15gm
- Triamcinolone 0.5% Oint 15gm
- Triamcinolone 0.025% Ointment 15gm
- Triamcinolone 0.025% Ointment 80gm
- Triamcinolone 0.025% Cream 15gm
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Cream 30gm
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Cream 15gm
- Triamcinolone 0.025% Cream 454gm
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Ointment 15gm
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Cream 80gm
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Ointment 80gm
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Ointment 454gm
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Cream 454gm
- Triamcinolone 0.025% Ointment 454gm
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Ointment 15gm
- Triamcinolone 0.025% Cream 80gm
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Ointment 80gm
- Triamcinolone Topical Spray 100gm
- Triamcinolone Topical Spray 63gm
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Lotion 60ml
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Ointment 15gm
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Ointment 30gm
- Triamcinolone 55mcg Nasalsp (120)
- Triamcinolone Ace 40mg/ml, 1ml
- Triamcinolone Topical Spray 63gm
- Triamcinolone Topical Spray 100gm
- Triamcinolone Ace 40mg/ml Inj, 10ml
- Triamcinolone Ace 0.05% Oint 430gm
- Triamcinolone Ace 40mg/ml, 5ml
- Triamcin Ace 40mg/ml Inj, 10ml
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Lotion 60ml
- Triamcinolone 0.025% Lotion 60ml
- Triamcinolone 400mg/10ml Inj, 10ml
- Triamcinolone 0.1% Ointment 454gm
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply a thin film to the affected area 2 to 4 times daily.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
psoriasis:
Apply a thin film to the affected area 2 to 4 times daily.
eczema:
Apply a thin film to the affected area 2 to 4 times daily.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (use with extreme caution due to increased systemic absorption risk)
Infant:
Not established (use with extreme caution due to increased systemic absorption risk)
Child:
Apply a thin film to the affected area 2 to 4 times daily. Use the least amount for the shortest duration necessary to achieve therapeutic effect. Monitor closely for signs of systemic toxicity.
Adolescent:
Apply a thin film to the affected area 2 to 4 times daily.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment typically needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Moderate:
No adjustment typically needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Severe:
No adjustment typically needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Dialysis:
No specific considerations for topical use due to minimal systemic absorption.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment typically needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Moderate:
No adjustment typically needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Severe:
No adjustment typically needed due to minimal systemic absorption.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic corticosteroid that possesses anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. It acts by inducing phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. These proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Not clinically significant for typical topical use (minimal systemic absorption)
Tmax:
Not clinically significant for typical topical use
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (topical)
Distribution:
Vd:
Not clinically significant for typical topical use
ProteinBinding:
Not clinically significant for typical topical use
CnssPenetration:
Limited (minimal systemic absorption)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not clinically significant for typical topical use
Clearance:
Not clinically significant for typical topical use
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (for systemically absorbed drug)
Unchanged:
Not available
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within hours to days (local anti-inflammatory effect)
PeakEffect:
Days to weeks of consistent application
DurationOfAction:
Varies with application frequency and condition severity
Confidence:
Medium
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood sugar, including:
+ Confusion
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Unusual thirst or hunger
+ Passing urine more often
+ Flushing
+ Fast breathing
+ Breath that smells like fruit
Signs of a weak adrenal gland, such as:
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or passing out
+ Muscle weakness
+ Feeling very tired
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome, including:
+ Weight gain in the upper back or belly
+ Moon face
+ Severe headache
+ Slow healing
Irritation at the site where the medication was applied
Skin changes, such as:
+ Pimples
+ Stretch marks
+ Slow healing
+ Hair growth
Change in skin color
Thinning of the skin
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help:
Burning
Itching
* Dry skin
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood sugar, including:
+ Confusion
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Unusual thirst or hunger
+ Passing urine more often
+ Flushing
+ Fast breathing
+ Breath that smells like fruit
Signs of a weak adrenal gland, such as:
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or passing out
+ Muscle weakness
+ Feeling very tired
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome, including:
+ Weight gain in the upper back or belly
+ Moon face
+ Severe headache
+ Slow healing
Irritation at the site where the medication was applied
Skin changes, such as:
+ Pimples
+ Stretch marks
+ Slow healing
+ Hair growth
Change in skin color
Thinning of the skin
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help:
Burning
Itching
* Dry skin
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Worsening of your skin condition or no improvement after a few days/weeks.
- Signs of a skin infection (e.g., pus, spreading redness, fever).
- Severe burning, itching, or irritation at the application site.
- Skin thinning, stretch marks, or changes in skin color where the cream is applied.
- Unusual hair growth.
- Signs of systemic steroid absorption (rare with proper use): unexplained weight gain, swelling in the face, increased thirst or urination, fatigue.
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as they may affect the safety and efficacy of this medication.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as they may affect the safety and efficacy of this medication.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Adhere to the prescribed duration of use, as directed by your doctor, and avoid using it for an extended period.
Before using any other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult with your doctor to ensure safe use. Exercise caution when applying this medication to a large area of skin, and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Using this medication too frequently can exacerbate your skin condition. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child using this medication, be aware that children may be more susceptible to certain side effects, and use the medication with caution.
In some cases, this medication may affect growth in children and teenagers, making regular growth checks necessary. Consult with your doctor to discuss this potential risk.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication for both you and your baby.
Before using any other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult with your doctor to ensure safe use. Exercise caution when applying this medication to a large area of skin, and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Using this medication too frequently can exacerbate your skin condition. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child using this medication, be aware that children may be more susceptible to certain side effects, and use the medication with caution.
In some cases, this medication may affect growth in children and teenagers, making regular growth checks necessary. Consult with your doctor to discuss this potential risk.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication for both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Prolonged or extensive use, especially under occlusion or in children, can lead to systemic absorption and symptoms of hypercorticism (Cushing's syndrome), including: moon face, central obesity, striae, hirsutism, hypertension, hyperglycemia, adrenal suppression.
What to Do:
Discontinue the medication gradually under medical supervision. Call a poison control center immediately (1-800-222-1222 in the US) or seek emergency medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Skin condition assessment (type of lesion, extent, integrity)
Rationale: To establish baseline for efficacy and adverse effect monitoring.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Efficacy (reduction in inflammation, pruritus, erythema)
Frequency: Regularly during treatment, typically weekly or bi-weekly initially
Target: Improvement in symptoms
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening of condition may require re-evaluation of diagnosis or treatment.
Local adverse effects (skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, folliculitis, perioral dermatitis, hypertrichosis, hypopigmentation)
Frequency: Regularly during treatment
Target: Absence of new or worsening adverse effects
Action Threshold: Development of significant local adverse effects may require discontinuation or change in therapy.
Signs of systemic absorption (e.g., Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia, glucosuria)
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged use, large surface areas, or occlusive dressings, particularly in children.
Target: Absence of systemic effects
Action Threshold: Presence of systemic effects requires immediate medical evaluation and potential discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Worsening of skin condition
- Increased redness, itching, or burning at application site
- Development of new skin lesions or infections
- Skin thinning, easy bruising, or stretch marks
- Unusual hair growth
- Changes in skin color
- Signs of systemic effects (e.g., unexplained weight gain, moon face, fatigue, muscle weakness, increased thirst/urination)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Avoid extensive use, large areas, or prolonged periods.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Potential for teratogenicity with high systemic exposure, though unlikely with topical use.
Second Trimester:
Risk of fetal growth restriction or adrenal suppression with high systemic exposure.
Third Trimester:
Risk of fetal adrenal suppression with high systemic exposure.
Lactation
L3 (Moderately safe). Use with caution. It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Avoid applying to the breast area to prevent direct infant exposure.
Infant Risk:
Low risk with proper use; monitor for potential systemic effects if mother uses extensively.
Pediatric Use
Children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic adverse effects (e.g., HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, growth retardation). Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Avoid occlusive dressings. Not recommended for routine use in neonates/infants.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustments are required. However, elderly patients may have thinner skin, which could increase the risk of local adverse effects like skin atrophy or purpura. Monitor skin integrity closely.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Triamcinolone 0.025% is a low-potency topical corticosteroid, suitable for mild to moderate inflammatory dermatoses, and often used on sensitive areas like the face or intertriginous zones, though caution is still advised.
- Advise patients to apply a very thin layer; 'less is more' with topical steroids to minimize side effects.
- Educate patients on the signs of skin atrophy (thinning, shininess, visible blood vessels) and to report them promptly.
- Prolonged use, especially on the face, can lead to perioral dermatitis or rosacea-like eruptions.
- Always consider the underlying cause of the dermatosis; topical steroids treat symptoms, not the root cause.
Alternative Therapies
- Hydrocortisone cream (lower potency)
- Betamethasone valerate cream (higher potency)
- Mometasone furoate cream (medium potency)
- Fluocinolone acetonide cream (low to medium potency)
- Calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus - non-steroidal alternatives for eczema)
- Emollients and moisturizers (for barrier repair and symptom relief)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$10 - $50 per 15gm tube
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 or Tier 2 (preferred generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more details. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.