From the Guidelines
Triamcinolone is a synthetic corticosteroid medication used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis, with topical formulations applied thinly to affected areas 2-4 times daily, and injectable suspensions for joint or soft tissue inflammation, typically 5-40 mg depending on joint size, as recommended by the joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy 1.
Key Uses of Triamcinolone
- Topical corticosteroid for plaque psoriasis not involving intertriginous areas, with a level of evidence I, as per the joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy 1
- Topical corticosteroid for scalp psoriasis, with a level of evidence I, as per the joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy 1
- Intralesional corticosteroids can be used for localized nonresponding or very thick lesions on glabrous skin, scalp, nails, palms, and soles, with triamcinolone acetonide in a dose up to 20 mg/mL, administered every 3 to 4 weeks, as recommended by the joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy 1 ### Important Considerations
- The duration of therapy depends on factors such as the strength of topical corticosteroids, the severity of the disease, anatomic location, and age of the patient, as noted in the joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy 1
- A steroid-sparing agent can be considered to avoid adverse effects, as recommended by the joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy 1
- Long-term systemic use requires careful monitoring due to potential adrenal suppression, increased infection risk, and metabolic effects, as noted in various studies, including those on retinal vein occlusions 2, 3 ### Side Effects and Risks
- Side effects vary by formulation but may include skin thinning with topical use, temporary pain with injections, or oral thrush with inhaled forms, as noted in various studies, including those on retinal vein occlusions 2, 3
- There is a role for intravitreal steroids such as triamcinolone, dexamethasone, and other corticosteroids that have been shown to be efficacious for macular edema associated with CRVO, yet there are known associated risks of cataracts and glaucoma, as noted in the SCORE study for BRVO 3
From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Triamcinolone acetonide cream, 0.1% is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. The use of Triamcinolone is for the relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.
- Key uses: + Relief of inflammation + Relief of pruritic (itching) symptoms + Treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses [ 4 ]
From the Research
Uses of Triamcinolone
- Triamcinolone is a long-acting corticosteroid used in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, and respiratory inflammation 5, 6.
- It is also used to treat allergic rhinitis, with nasal inhalation formulations available 7.
- Additionally, triamcinolone has been used as a parenteral corticosteroid for the treatment of asthma, particularly in patients who are steroid-dependent or experience intolerable side effects from oral corticosteroids 8.
- The intramuscular route of administration is unique, with effects remaining potent over a longer period of time, making it a potentially useful option for certain patients 9.
Conditions Treated with Triamcinolone
- Arthritis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Respiratory inflammation
- Allergic rhinitis
- Asthma