This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Kenalog Consumer Information
KENALOG
Generic Name: triamcinolone topical (trye am SIH no lone)
Brand Names: Aristocort Topical, Kenalog, Triacet, Triderm
What is the most important information I should know about triamcinolone topical?
- Do not use plastic bandages, dressings, or diapers that do not allow air to circulate to the area (occlusive dressings) unless your doctor directs you to do so. The use of occlusive dressings can greatly increase the amount of drug the body absorbs. If you do use an occlusive dressing, do not use it for more than 12 hours a day.
- Do not use triamcinolone topical to treat any area of the body that it is not prescribed for. This could be dangerous.
- Use triamcinolone topical cautiously, and only under the supervision of a doctor, to treat a child. Children are more sensitive to the effects of triamcinolone topical.
What is triamcinolone topical?
- Triamcinolone is a topical steroid. It reduces or inhibits the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
- Triamcinolone is used to treat the inflammation caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Triamcinolone topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using triamcinolone topical?
- Return to your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse. Triamcinolone topical alone will not treat the condition if it is a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.
- Triamcinolone topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether triamcinolone topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. If it is necessary to use triamcinolone during pregnancy, the smallest amount possible should be applied, for the shortest time necessary to treat the condition, under the supervision of a doctor.
- It is not known whether triamcinolone passes into breast milk. Do not use triamcinolone topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Use triamcinolone topical cautiously, and only under the supervision of a doctor, to treat a child. Children are more sensitive to the effects of triamcinolone topical.
How should I use triamcinolone topical?
- Apply the cream or ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using triamcinolone topical to treat a hand condition.
- Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin.
- Use caution on areas where the skin creases, such as armpits, knees, and elbows. These areas may absorb more medication. Also, avoid the eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.
- If you need to protect the area, it can be covered with a breathable cotton-gauze dressing. Avoid using plastic, occlusive dressings that do not allow air to circulate to the area. Plastic pants and diapers may be harmful if used over triamcinolone topical on a child.
- Do not use triamcinolone topical to treat any area of the body that it is not prescribed for. This could be dangerous.
- Store triamcinolone topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and apply the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- An overdose of triamcinolone topical is not expected to threaten life. If the cream or ointment is ingested, or if a large amount of cream is used over a large area and you are experiencing side effects, call an emergency room or a poison control left for advice.
What should I avoid while using triamcinolone topical?
- Do not use plastic bandages, dressings, or diapers that do not allow air to circulate to the area (occlusive dressings) unless your doctor directs you to do so. The use of occlusive dressings can greatly increase the amount of drug the body absorbs. If you do use an occlusive dressing, do not use it for more than 12 hours a day.
- Avoid using other topical medications, harsh or abrasive soaps, or cosmetics on the affected area without first talking to your doctor.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.
