Triamcinolone 0.5% Cream 15gm
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Use this medication only on your skin, as directed. 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 you're applying the medication to your hand, do not wash that hand after use.
Prepare the affected area by cleaning it before application, and make sure it's completely dry. Then, apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and gently rub it in.
Important Application Guidelines
Do not apply the medication to your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so.
Avoid using bandages, dressings, or other coverings on the treated area unless your doctor advises you to do so.
If the treated area is in the diaper region, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants, as this can increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body.
Do not use this medication to treat diaper rash.
* Avoid applying the medication to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature, away from freezing temperatures. 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 by your pharmacist. You may also want to check with your pharmacist about drug take-back programs in your area.
Missed Dose Instructions
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular application schedule. Do not apply two doses at the same time or use extra doses to make up for a missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected skin area as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times a day.
- Gently rub it in until it disappears.
- Wash your hands before and after applying the cream, unless your hands are the treated area.
- Do not cover the treated area with bandages or tight 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. If it gets into these areas, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Do not use this cream for longer than prescribed, especially on the face, groin, or armpits, or in children, as it can cause thinning of the skin or other side effects.
- Do not use on broken skin or open wounds unless directed by a healthcare professional.
- Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve after 1-2 weeks of treatment or if it worsens.
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
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while 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. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help if they bother you or do not go away:
Burning
Itching
* Dry skin
This is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact 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:
- Increased redness, swelling, or pus at the application site (signs of infection)
- Severe burning, itching, or irritation that was not present before
- Skin thinning, easy bruising, or stretch marks (striae) developing
- Changes in skin color (lightening or darkening)
- Acne-like breakouts or increased hair growth in the treated area
- Any signs of systemic effects, though rare with proper topical use, such as unusual weight gain, swelling in ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination (signs of high blood sugar), or unusual fatigue.
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
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 health problems you have, as they may affect the safety and efficacy of this medication.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to:
Verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions.
* Consult with your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one.
Precautions & Cautions
Before using any other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, consult with your doctor to ensure safe and effective treatment. Exercise caution when applying this medication to a large area of skin, and discuss this with your doctor if necessary.
Using this medication too frequently can exacerbate your skin condition. If the patient is a child, use this medication with caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be increased in children. In some cases, this drug may affect growth in children and teenagers, and regular growth checks may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to discuss this potential risk.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. It is crucial to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Prolonged or excessive use, especially over large surface areas, under occlusion, or in children, can lead to systemic absorption and symptoms of hypercorticism (e.g., Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression).
- Symptoms may include: moon face, buffalo hump, central obesity, thinning skin, easy bruising, striae, muscle weakness, fatigue, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, mood changes.
What to Do:
Discontinue the medication gradually under medical supervision. Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control) or seek immediate medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- None known for topical application
Major Interactions
- None known for topical application
Moderate Interactions
- None known for topical application
Minor Interactions
- None known for topical application
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline severity of dermatosis and identify any contraindications (e.g., active infection).
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly, at follow-up visits (e.g., weekly to bi-weekly initially)
Target: Significant improvement in symptoms
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms after 1-2 weeks may indicate need for re-evaluation or alternative therapy.
Frequency: At each follow-up visit, especially with prolonged use or use on sensitive areas.
Target: Absence of or minimal adverse effects
Action Threshold: Presence of significant adverse effects warrants discontinuation or reduction in potency/frequency.
Frequency: At each follow-up visit
Target: Absence of infection
Action Threshold: Presence of infection requires appropriate antimicrobial therapy and potential discontinuation of corticosteroid.
Symptom Monitoring
- Burning
- Itching
- Irritation
- Dryness
- Folliculitis
- Hypertrichosis
- Acneiform eruptions
- Hypopigmentation
- Perioral dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Skin maceration
- Secondary infection
- Skin atrophy
- Striae
- Miliaria
- Signs of systemic absorption (e.g., Cushing's syndrome symptoms, hyperglycemia, adrenal suppression - rare with appropriate topical use)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Category C. Should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Avoid large amounts, prolonged use, or application to large surface areas.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
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. If used, avoid applying to the breast area to prevent infant ingestion.
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, intracranial hypertension) than adult patients. Use the least potent formulation for the shortest duration possible. Avoid use on face, groin, or axillae unless directed by physician. Not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustments are required. However, elderly patients may have thinner skin, which could increase the risk of local adverse effects (e.g., skin atrophy, purpura) and potentially systemic absorption. Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Triamcinolone 0.5% cream is a high-potency topical corticosteroid; use it judiciously and for limited durations to minimize local and systemic side effects.
- Educate patients on proper application technique: thin layer, gentle rub, and avoiding occlusive dressings unless specifically instructed.
- Warn patients about potential skin thinning, stretch marks, and easy bruising with prolonged use, especially on sensitive areas like the face or skin folds.
- Always consider the underlying cause of the dermatosis; topical corticosteroids treat symptoms, not the root cause.
- If no improvement is seen after 1-2 weeks, re-evaluate the diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Tapering off high-potency corticosteroids after prolonged use may be necessary to prevent rebound flares.
Alternative Therapies
- Lower potency topical corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, desonide)
- Medium potency topical corticosteroids (e.g., fluocinolone acetonide, betamethasone valerate)
- Other high-potency topical corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol propionate, halobetasol propionate)
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for eczema, especially on sensitive areas.
- Topical phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors (e.g., crisaborole) for eczema.
- Systemic therapies (e.g., oral corticosteroids, biologics, immunosuppressants) for severe, widespread conditions.