Triamcinolone Topical Description

Generic Name : TRIAMCINOLONE TOPICAL

Pronunciation : (trye am sin' oh lone)

Trade Name(s) : Cortrima, Ledercort,

Why it is prescribed: Triamcinolone is used to treat the itching, redness, inflammation, and discomfort of various skin conditions. It also is used to relieve the discomfort of mouth sores.

When it is to be taken: Triamcinolone usually is used two to four times a day. For mouth sores, it is used at bedtime and, if necessary, two or three times during the day, preferably after meals. Follow the instructions on your prescription label. If mouth sores do not begin to heal within seven days, contact your doctor.

How it should be taken:
1. Triamcinolone comes in the form of ointment, cream, lotion, and aerosol spray in various strengths.
2. To use triamcinolone on your skin, wash the affected area thoroughly. Apply the cream or lotion sparingly and rub it in gently. Apply the ointment in a thin film. However, if washing irritates your skin, apply the drug without washing first.
3. Shake the aerosol well before each use. Spray an area about the size of your hand with the aerosol from a distance of about 3 to 6 inches for about two seconds. Repeat until the entire area is treated. Avoid breathing the vapors from the spray.
4. If your doctor instructs you to wrap the treated area with plastic, soak or wash the area thoroughly. Apply the medication in a thin film and rub it in gently until it disappears; then apply another thin film coating of the cream, lotion, or ointment.
5. Cover the area with thin plastic wrap and attach the plastic with adhesive tape to normal skin adjacent to the treated area or hold the plastic in place with an elastic or gauze bandage.
6. Wash the area each time you apply the medication. If the area is moist, you can leave the edges of the plastic wrap partly unsealed or puncture the plastic wrap to allow excess moisture to escape.
7. If your skin is dry, you can soak the area briefly before applying the medication and place a damp cloth on the area before covering it with plastic.
8. If the treated area is the scalp, fingers, or hands, you can use a tight plastic shower cap for your scalp and gloves for your fingers and hands rather than plastic wrap.
9. Ask your doctor for specific instructions. If you use triamcinolone on your face, keep it out of your eyes.

Special Instruction :
1. If your skin problem continues or worsens or if the treated area becomes infected, contact your doctor.
2. Use triamcinolone exactly as prescribed. Do not apply it to other areas of your body or wrap or bandage the treated area unless directed to do so by your doctor.
3. Do not use it for a longer time than as directed, and do not apply it more frequently than as stated on your prescription label.
4. Do not apply cosmetics, lotions, or other skin preparations to the treated area without consulting your doctor.
5. If you use this medication on a baby's diaper area, do not place tightly fitting diapers or plastic pants on the baby. They can increase the absorption of triamcinolone through the skin and decrease the baby's growth.
6. If you forget to take a dose, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it and apply the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not apply a double dose.

Side Effects : Itching, burning, irritation, and skin infection are commonly seen. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. If you have an infection, tell your doctor before using triamcinolone.
2. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should inform their doctors before using this drug.
3. Discard any unused medication after your treatment course is completed. Do not use it to treat other skin problems.
4. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication without a doctor's prescription, especially children. Children are more sensitive to the drug than are adults, and another person's skin problem may be very different from yours.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it come in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.