Is Kenalog a Steroid?
Yes, Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) is definitively a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory action. 1
Drug Classification
Kenalog is classified as a corticosteroid medication, specifically:
- A synthetic glucocorticoid with potent anti-inflammatory properties 1
- Chemical name: 9-Fluoro-11β,16α,17,21-tetrahydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione cyclic 16,17-acetal with acetone 1
- Molecular weight: 434.50 1
Available Formulations
Kenalog is available in multiple formulations for different routes of administration:
- Intramuscular injection: KENALOG-40 (40 mg/mL) and KENALOG-80 (80 mg/mL) 1
- Intra-articular injection: For joint injections in conditions like acute gout and juvenile idiopathic arthritis 2
- Intralesional injection: For dermatologic conditions including keloids, hypertrophic scars, and acne 3, 4
- Intranasal formulation: For allergic rhinitis 5
Clinical Applications
As a corticosteroid, Kenalog is indicated for numerous conditions requiring anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapy:
- Rheumatologic conditions: Acute gout, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis 2, 1
- Dermatologic diseases: Keloids, hypertrophic scars, nodular acne, psoriasis 3, 1
- Allergic states: Severe allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis 5, 1, 6
- Gastrointestinal diseases: Regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, esophageal strictures 3, 1
Important Steroid-Related Precautions
Because Kenalog is a corticosteroid, it carries the typical steroid-related risks and requires specific monitoring:
- HPA axis suppression: Can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, particularly with prolonged use 1
- Immunosuppression: Increases risk of infections (viral, bacterial, fungal) and can reactivate latent tuberculosis or hepatitis B 1
- Metabolic effects: Can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, increased potassium excretion, and glucose intolerance 5, 1
- Growth suppression: In children receiving long-term therapy 5
- Local adverse effects: Skin atrophy, pigmentary changes, telangiectasias when used intralesionally 3
Key Distinguishing Feature
Kenalog has a uniquely prolonged duration of action compared to other corticosteroids when given intramuscularly, attributed to its low solubility in blood, slow absorption from injection sites, and low renal clearance rate 7. This long-acting property makes it particularly useful for depot therapy but also means it is not suitable for acute stress situations requiring rapid-acting corticosteroids 1.