What is the recommended dose of Kenalog (triamcinolone) for a 6-month allergy shot regimen?

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Last updated: June 5, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The recommended dose of Kenalog for a 6-month allergy shot regimen is typically 40 mg administered intramuscularly every 4 to 6 weeks, with adjustments based on symptom severity and patient response, as supported by the most recent guidelines 1. When considering the administration of Kenalog for allergy shots, it's crucial to understand the importance of the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. The starting dose is usually a 1,000-fold or 10,000-fold dilution of the maintenance concentrate, although this may vary based on patient sensitivity 1. Key considerations for the dosage include:

  • The dose and concentration of allergen immunotherapy extract are increased during the build-up phase
  • The maintenance phase involves administering an effective therapeutic dose over time
  • Starting doses that are too dilute may delay achieving a therapeutically effective dose, while doses that are too concentrated increase the risk of systemic reactions
  • Common starting dilutions from the maintenance concentrate are 1:10,000 (vol/vol) or 1:1,000 (vol/vol), with more diluted concentrations used for highly sensitive patients 1 Given the potential side effects, including temporary pain at the injection site, mood changes, increased blood sugar, and potential adrenal suppression with long-term use, it is essential to administer this regimen under medical supervision, with dosage adjustments based on individual patient factors such as weight, age, and medical history.

From the FDA Drug Label

The suggested initial dose is 60 mg, injected deeply into the gluteal muscle Dosage is usually adjusted within the range of 40 mg to 80 mg, depending upon patient response and duration of relief. Hay fever or pollen asthma: Patients with hay fever or pollen asthma who are not responding to pollen administration and other conventional therapy may obtain a remission of symptoms lasting throughout the pollen season after a single injection of 40 mg to 100 mg

The recommended dose of Kenalog for a 6-month allergy shot regimen is 40 mg to 100 mg, depending on patient response and duration of relief 2.

From the Research

Kenalog Dose for 6-Month Allergy Shot Regimen

  • The recommended dose of Kenalog (triamcinolone) for a 6-month allergy shot regimen is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
  • However, study 6 discusses the effective dose range for subcutaneous immunotherapy, suggesting a safe and effective dose is likely 5-20 μg of major allergen per injection.
  • Study 6 also recommends converting the recommended doses into a clinically relevant format, such as the volume of allergen extract added to a 5-mL maintenance vial.
  • It is essential to note that Kenalog is a type of corticosteroid, and its use in allergy shots may vary depending on the specific treatment protocol and patient needs.
  • None of the provided studies specifically address the use of Kenalog in a 6-month allergy shot regimen, and therefore, the optimal dose cannot be determined based on the available evidence 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Allergy Shot Regimens

  • Study 4 discusses oral immunotherapy (OIT) and its potential as a treatment for food allergies, but does not provide information on Kenalog dosing.
  • Study 5 reviews sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and its effectiveness in treating allergic rhinitis and asthma, but does not mention Kenalog.
  • Study 7 discusses sublingual immunotherapy and its potential advantages over subcutaneous immunotherapy, but does not provide information on Kenalog dosing.
  • The provided studies focus on various aspects of immunotherapy, but none specifically address the use of Kenalog in a 6-month allergy shot regimen 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Oral and sublingual immunotherapy.

Current treatment options in allergy, 2014

Research

Sublingual immunotherapy: a comprehensive review.

The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 2006

Research

Sublingual immunotherapy.

Current opinion in otolaryngology & head and neck surgery, 2008

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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