From the Guidelines
Kenalog (Triamcinolone) is not the preferred treatment for allergies, as intranasal corticosteroids, such as fluticasone propionate, have been shown to be more effective in controlling symptoms of allergic rhinitis. According to the study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1, intranasal corticosteroids are the most effective medication class in controlling symptoms of allergic rhinitis, providing significant relief of symptoms when used on a regular basis.
Key Points
- Intranasal corticosteroids have been shown to be more effective than the combined use of an antihistamine and LT antagonist in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis 1.
- The main mechanism by which corticosteroids relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis is through their anti-inflammatory activity 1.
- Kenalog (Triamcinolone) may be considered for treating allergies, particularly when administered as an injection, but its use should be limited to cases where other treatments have failed due to its potential side effects, such as increased blood sugar, temporary mood changes, fluid retention, and suppressed immune function.
Treatment Considerations
- The typical dose of Kenalog (Triamcinolone) for treating allergies is 40 to 80 mg given as a single intramuscular injection, with effects lasting approximately 3 to 6 weeks.
- Patients should discuss their complete medical history and current medications before receiving Kenalog injections to ensure it's appropriate for their specific situation.
- Long-term or frequent use of Kenalog (Triamcinolone) should be avoided due to potential serious side effects, including adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, and increased infection risk.
From the FDA Drug Label
Allergic states: Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug hypersensitivity reactions, perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis, serum sickness, transfusion reactions. The role of Kenalog (Triamcinolone) in treating allergies is to control severe or incapacitating allergic conditions that are intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment, including:
- Asthma
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Drug hypersensitivity reactions
- Perennial or seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Serum sickness
- Transfusion reactions 2
From the Research
Role of Kenalog (Triamcinolone) in Treating Allergies
- Kenalog (Triamcinolone) is used to treat various allergic conditions, including severe, chronic asthma 3, 4.
- The medication can be administered via different routes, including intramuscular injection, which has a unique, long-lasting effect 5.
- In the treatment of severe, chronic asthma, high-dose intramuscular triamcinolone has been shown to be effective in resolving asthma symptoms and improving functional abilities in older adults 3.
- However, allergic reactions to Kenalog have been reported, and component testing is recommended when patients experience allergic-type reactions to the medication 6.
Mechanism of Action and Efficacy
- The exact mechanism of action of intramuscular triamcinolone is not fully understood but may be attributed to its unique binding mechanisms, low solubility in blood, and low renal clearance rate 5.
- The medication has been shown to be effective in treating severe intrinsic bronchial asthma, with excellent or good results in 88.3% of treated cases 4.
- However, long-term use of Kenalog can provoke side effects, such as weight gain, disturbances in menstruation, and increase in blood pressure 4.
Safety and Tolerability
- Kenalog is considered a safe and effective treatment option for allergic rhinitis in children, with a low risk of systemic effects 7.
- However, growth should be regularly monitored in children receiving intranasal corticosteroids, including triamcinolone 7.
- The safety profile of Kenalog is generally good, but side effects can occur, especially with long-term use or high doses 3, 4.