Triamcot (Topical application)

Triamcinolone topical is used to help reduce redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

It is very important for your doctor to check the progress of you or your child during regular visits for any problems that may be caused by this medicine. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

If your or your child's symptoms do not improve within a few weeks, or if they get worse, check with your doctor.

Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. The risk is higher for children and patients who use large amounts for a long time. Talk to your doctor right away if you or your child have more than one of these symptoms while using this medicine: blurred vision; dizziness or fainting; a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat; increased thirst or urination; irritability; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

Do not use this medication with other corticosteroid (eg, hydrocortisone) containing products without checking with your doctor first.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated areas.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to weigh the risks against the benefits. Here are some important points to consider for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your health care professional know about any other allergies you might have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Studies done so far have not shown any specific problems in children that would limit the use of triamcinolone topical. However, because this medicine can be toxic, it should be used carefully. Children can absorb large amounts through their skin, which may lead to serious side effects. If your child is using this medicine, follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Geriatric

There is no information available on how age affects the use of triamcinolone topical in older patients.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others can be used at the same time even if there may be an interaction. In these cases, your doctor might want to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around meal times or with specific foods due to potential interactions. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect how you can use this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other medical problems, especially:

• Cushing's syndrome (a disorder of the adrenal glands) or
• Diabetes or
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or
• Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head)—Use with caution. These conditions may worsen.

• Skin infection at or near the application site or
• Large sores, broken skin, or severe skin injury at the application site—This may increase the chance of side effects.

Along with its necessary effects, this medicine can cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they might require medical attention.

Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of the following side effects:

Incidence not known

• Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• Irritation
• Itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• Redness and scaling around the mouth
• Thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or in areas where the skin folds together (like between the fingers)

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your healthcare professional may also be able to provide ways to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Check with your healthcare professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Acne or pimples
• Burning and itching of the skin with small red blisters
• Burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
• Increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
• Lightening of normal skin color
• Lightening of treated areas of dark skin
• Reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
• Softening of the skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, consult your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Aristocort A
• Cinolar
• Dermasorb TA Complete Kit
• Kenalog
• Pediaderm TA
• Triacet
• Triamcot
• Trianex
• Triderm
• Zytopic

In Canada

• Aristocort C Concentrate
• Aristocort D Dilute
• Aristocort R Ointment Regular
• Aristocort R Regular
• Kenalog Cream
• Kenalog Ointment
• Kenalog Spray
• Triaderm Mild Cream
• Triaderm Mild Ointment
• Triaderm Regular Cream
• Triaderm Regular Ointment
• Trianide Mild-Cream

Available Dosage Forms:

• Lotion
• Cream
• Spray
• Ointment

Therapeutic Class: Corticosteroid, Intermediate

Pharmacologic Class: Triamcinolone

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause unwanted side effects or skin irritation.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away with water.

If you or your child are using the spray form on or near the face, protect your nose to avoid breathing it in and make sure that your eyes are covered.

This medicine should only be used for skin conditions that your doctor is treating. Check with your doctor before using it for other conditions, especially if you think that a skin infection may be present. This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or conditions, such as severe burns.

Do not use the spray on the groin or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor.

To use:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area of the skin. Rub it in gently.
• Do not bandage or otherwise wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• If the medicine is applied to the diaper area of an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• If your doctor ordered an occlusive dressing or airtight covering to be applied over the medicine, make sure you know how to apply it. Occlusive dressings increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin, so use them only as directed. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

The spray form is flammable until it dries on the skin. Do not use it near heat, an open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For redness, itching, and swelling of the skin: For topical dosage forms (cream, lotion, and ointment): Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin two to four times per day. Children—Apply to the affected area of the skin two to four times per day. For topical dosage form (aerosol spray): Adults—Spray to the affected area of the skin three to four times per day. Children—Spray to the affected area of the skin three to four times per day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.