Inflammatory conditions are relatively common among a large number of individuals with multiple treatment options available. For instance, depending on the condition, doctors may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, antimalarial infections, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, or biologic drugs. Corticosteroids re considered as an effective option for certain specific conditions and help bring down the inflammation. The following sub-sections explain all about possible triamcinolone acetonide side effects apart from the benefits and mechanism of action of the corticosteroid. This is intended to help users prevent and mitigate undesirable effects of the medication.
Overview of triamcinolone
The corticosteroid triamcinolone is used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions that extend from allergic rhinitis to multiple sclerosis linked aggravations. It is also effective in the management of pain among patients with osteoarthritic knee conditions. Additionally, the corticosteroid is also used topically for managing dermatoses that are known to respond to corticosteroids. In use for more than six decades since approval by the FDA, the medication has also been approved as late as last year for treating patients with macular edema attributed to the eye inflammation.
As a topical application, the corticosteroid is used in the treatment of multiple skin conditions with symptoms including itching, dry skin, formation of crusts or scaling on the skin, apart from reddish appearance at the site of inflammation and discomfort. It is also used for helping manage psoriasis, and eczema. Finally, the corticosteroid is also used in certain dental conditions, when patients experience discomfort as a result of formation of sores in the mouth.
Mechanism of action of triamcinolone
The outcomes of corticosteroids are primarily attributed to the ability of the medications to activate natural substances within the skin, which help to bring down the reddish appearance, itching and swelling on the skin. The mechanism of action includes inhibition of phospholipase A2 on cell membranes, and a sequence of actions that result in prevention of production of arachidonic acid. Various factors are responsible for pain and inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase and prostaglandins. The anti-inflammatory properties of the medication are also attributed to the reduction in the pro-inflammatory signals, as a result of the action of the corticosteroids.
Different formulations of the corticosteroid
The corticosteroid is available in different formulations such as ointment, cream, paste for dental applications, aerosolized spray, and as injections. Depending on the condition, the corticosteroid is used as required. For instance, when it is used to handle dental conditions, it is typically applied at bedtime. For other conditions, it may be applied twice or up to four times daily. Corticosteroids are potent and are to be used only as per the recommendations of the treating specialist and are not to be used on unaffected parts of the body. any individuals are also known to apply the topical applications on unaffected parts of the body in an effort to prevent the part from getting infected or affected. This is wrong practice and may cause some kind of damage to the skin.
Precautions to be followed when applying or using triamcinolone
Certain precautions are to be followed when the medication is sued or applied For instance, individuals using the aerosolized formulation are to ensure that the spray is not used when there is an open flame nearby. Similarly, individuals are not to smoke when using the spray as there is every possibility of the aerosol triggering unforeseen accidents. All topical applications of the corticosteroid are to be applied in a manner so as to avoid the area around the eye. When applied on sensitive parts of the body, that need to be covered with clothes, it is a good idea to use loose fitting clothes. One of the reasons for possible adverse or undesirable effects of medications is the tendency to take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. It is important for patients to entirely skip the dose, in such circumstances to avoid the possibility of undesirable effects.
Conditions that make the corticosteroid unsuitable for patients
To avoid undesirable or possible triamcinolone acetonide side effects, it is necessary to eb aware of possible reactions and avoid use in specific conditions. For instance, individuals who have had some form of allergic reaction in the past to the medication or any ingredients in the medication are to avoid use of triamcinolone. There is a likelihood of the corticosteroid causing some form of interaction with other medications, OTC products, herbal remedies and supplements. It is therefore necessary to learn all about possible interactions or seek medical advice when using any of the above products.
Individuals with certain conditions are not to take the medication. For instance, patients with infection it the mouth or the throat are not to take the corticosteroid. Individuals who have had diabetes, or conditions attributed to excess hormones, such as Cushing’s syndrome are also advised to stay off the corticosteroid and seek specific medical consent or advice. Pregnant women, or women planning a pregnancy are to seek medical advice before using the corticosteroid. Similarly, women who are breastfeeding infants are also expected to follow recommendations.
Commonly reported side effects of the corticosteroid
Without exception, all medications expose individuals to the possibility of side effects. It is necessary to add that some individuals may not experience any kind of undesirable effects whatsoever, while some may experience stronger or persistent effects. The following compilation of possible undesirable effects are not exhaustive or comprehensive, and are intended to serve as a reference for users. Itching sensations or burning sensations are relatively common among users. There is also the possibility of individuals observing some kind of reddish appearance on the skin, apart from a dry feeling. The outbreak of acne and change in skin color has also been reported by a section of users.
It is also possible that users may witness abnormal or unusual hair growth. The formation of rashes or bumps around the mouth is also a possible outcome of undesirable effects of the corticosteroid. The bumps could also be white in color at times.
Circumstances that warrant attention
While most of the undesirable effects are known to resolve naturally, without the need for special medical intervention, it may be necessary to be treated in some instances. For instance, when individuals experience outbreak of rashes that are severe, it may be necessary to seek medical intervention. Similarly, if the reddish hue on the skin or inflammation of the skin is severe, it may be necessary to get medical attention to prevent the condition from aggravating. There is the possibility of children being exposed to elevated risk of side effects. This includes possible delay in the child gaining weight when compared with other children not on the medication. Additionally, the growth of the child may also be slower than the average child. It is necessary to get a full assessment or evaluation to determine the possible effects on children before use of the corticosteroid.
Other conditions that can be treated with the medication
In addition to the conditions mentioned above, the corticosteroid may also be used in treating various other conditions. This includes gouty arthritis, bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Other conditions include the following:
- Alopecia areata
- Keloids
- Discoid lupus erythematosus
- Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum
- Lichen planus
- Lichen simplex chronicus
- Inflammatory lesions of granuloma annulare
- Asthma
- Contact dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Serum sickness
- Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis
- Mycosis fungoides
- Exfoliative erythroderma
- Pemphigus
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Hypercalcemia in cancer
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Nonsuppurative thyroiditis
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Pure red cell aplasia
- Diamond-Blackfan anemia
This list of conditions that an be treated with the corticosteroid is not exhaustive or comprehensive. Various other conditions are effectively treated or managed with the medication.
Serious warnings about the medication
As outlined earlier, the corticosteroid comes with the possibility of side effects, with undesirable effects being a common outcome among all medications. In addition to the possibility of side effects, it is necessary to know that there are specific warnings or cautionary alerts that users need to be aware. The medication, by virtue of the its mechanism of action and properties is known to cause an impact on the immune system. Consequently, there is the possibility of individuals on the medication ending up as susceptible to other infections.
Users intending to take vaccines that are classified as live vaccines are to avoid the medication, This is because of the impact of the medication on the immune system and the impact of live vaccines on the immune system. There is a likelihood of possible interactions. Allergic reactions among users of the corticosteroid are another possibility and users are advised to be fully aware of medical history about past allergies and take suitable precautions or advise as required.
Drug interactions of triamcinolone
One of the possible side effects of triamcinolone is the interactions that may be triggered when used in combination with other medications. While it is effectively used as adjunct treatment alongside other medications, interactions are possible. The medication is reportedly known to interact with as many as 500 different formulations. Some of the effects may be mild or moderate in nature, while some are known to be adverse and serious. Interactions typically result in increased outcomes of one medication, or decreased outcomes in one medication. There is also the possibility of amplified a side effects of either of the medications. It is therefore necessary to seek medical advice about the continuation of either of the medications. A practical and medically recommended measure to delay with interactions between two medications is to determine the importance or criticality of either of the two medications and drop the one that is of lesser importance. In the event that both medications are of equal importance, in some instances, the treating specialist may recommend staggering the timing of intake of medications or modifying dosage. However, this may not apply to all circumstances, as in some instances, the reaction is strong and cannot be permitted.
Commonly reported interactions include reactions with fish oil, metoprolol succinate, aspirin, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D3, Flonase, Benadryl, Nexium among others. Individuals on the corticosteroid who indulge in heavy drinking are to cease drinking during the period of intake, as this could impact the desired outcome of the medication.