Health Library

Triamcinolone (By injection)

Triamcinolone (trye-am-SIN-oh-lone)

Treats many diseases and conditions, especially problems related to inflammation. May reduce inflammation in joints. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Active Injection Kit KL-3, Active Injection Kit KM, Arze-Ject-A, BT Injection Kit, Bupivilog Kit, DermacinRx Cinlone-I CPI, Interarticular Joint Kit, JTT Physicians Kit, Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40, LT Injection Kit, Lidolog Kit, MLK F1 Kit, MLK F2 Kit, MLK F3 Kit

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles, a joint, or a spot on your skin called a lesion.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose is missed:

• You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that can interact with triamcinolone. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using aminoglutethimide (Cytadren®), cholestyramine (Questran®), cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), isoniazid (Nydrazid®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), pancuronium (Pavulon®), phenobarbital (Luminal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), or rifampin (Rifadin®). Tell your doctor if you are using birth control pills, pain or arthritis medicine called NSAIDs (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, Motrin®, or Voltaren®), or a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to treat an infection (such as amphotericin B, clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin, Biaxin®, Ery-tab®, or Zithromax®), a diuretic or "water pill" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], or Lasix®), or diabetes medicine (such as insulin, glyburide, metformin, Actos®, Avandia®, Glucotrol®,or Glucovance®).
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have recently spent time in a tropical climate.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, tuberculosis, stomach or bowel problems, cataracts, glaucoma, or herpes simplex infection in your eyes. Tell your doctor if you have a mental condition, bone problems (such as osteoporosis), myasthenia gravis, or a thyroid disorder.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, or a recent heart attack. Tell your doctor if you have certain infections (such as amoebiasis or candidiasis), viral infections, cerebral malaria, or threadworm infestation.
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. You will be observed for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis after you receive this medicine. Tell your doctor right away about any unusual effects you may have.
• Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. The risk is greater for children and for patients who use large amounts for a long time. Talk to your doctor if you have more than one of these symptoms while you are using this medicine: blurred vision; dizziness or fainting; a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat; increased thirst or urination; irritability; or unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Let your doctor know if you have any events causing unusual stress or anxiety in your life. Your dose of this medicine may need to be changed.
• It may be easier for you to get an infection while you are receiving triamcinolone. Avoid crowded places or being near people who are sick. If you are exposed to chicken pox or measles, tell your doctor right away.
• This medicine contains benzyl alcohol that may cause problems (such as low blood pressure and metabolic acidosis) when given too much especially to newborn babies.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision or changes in vision.
• Bloody or black, tarry stools.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Muscle weakness or cramps, or sudden joint pain.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Seizures.
• Severe headache or pain behind your eyes.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, or bluish-colored skin.
• Slowed growth in children.
• Stopping of heart, no blood pressure or pulse, or unconsciousness.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blemishes on the skin or pimples.
• Changes in your menstrual periods.
• Diarrhea.
• Feeling sad or depressed.
• Gaining weight around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist.
• Mild skin rash.
• Mood swings, unusual thoughts or behavior.
• Restlessness, anxiety, or increased appetite.
• Swelling of abdominal or stomach area, full or bloated feeling, or pressure in the stomach.
• Thinning skin, changes in skin color, and increased hair growth.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023