What is the dose of triamcinolone (corticosteroid) for intravesical injection in the treatment of interstitial cystitis?

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Last updated: May 22, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Triamcinolone injection for interstitial cystitis should be performed with a dose that is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, but based on the guideline statement, it is recommended to perform the injection if Hunner lesions are present, with the goal of improving clinical symptoms and quality of life 1. When considering the treatment of interstitial cystitis with triamcinolone injection, it is essential to note that the presence of Hunner lesions is a crucial factor in determining the effectiveness of this treatment.

  • The treatment approach may involve fulguration with electrocautery, triamcinolone injection, or a combination of both, as these methods have been shown to improve clinical symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and pain 1.
  • While the exact dose of triamcinolone is not specified in the provided evidence, the goal of the treatment is to reduce inflammation in the bladder wall, thereby decreasing the associated symptoms.
  • It is also important to consider that symptoms can recur over time, and patients should be counseled about the potential need for periodic retreatment 1.
  • The treatment should be performed by a urologist, and patients should be aware of the potential side effects, including urinary tract infection, temporary worsening of symptoms, or systemic absorption of steroids.
  • The decision to use triamcinolone injection for interstitial cystitis should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's response to the treatment and the potential risks and benefits 1.

From the Research

Bladder Triamcinolone Injection for Interstitial Cystitis

  • The dose of triamcinolone for interstitial cystitis is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but the efficacy of triamcinolone injection for interstitial cystitis is discussed in several studies 2, 3, 4.

Efficacy of Triamcinolone Injection

  • A randomized controlled trial found that the addition of triamcinolone acetonide to a standard bladder instillation solution does not improve symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis-bladder pain syndrome 2.
  • However, other studies have shown that endoscopic submucosal injection of low-dose triamcinolone can be an effective and durable treatment for interstitial cystitis with Hunner lesions 3, and for type II/III interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome 4.

Patient Outcomes

  • Patients with advanced age, high pain scores, and higher International Prostate Symptom Scores and Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency symptom scale scores may benefit more from submucosal injection of triamcinolone acetonide 4.
  • Treatment efficacy can be sustained for at least 1 year in some patients, and persistent effectiveness has been noted in a subset of patients 4.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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