What is Aristocort Topical (Triamcinolone Topical)?

Triamcinolone is a topical steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Triamcinolone topical is used to treat the inflammation caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. The dental paste form of triamcinolone is used to treat mouth ulcers.

Triamcinolone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Aristocort Topical (Triamcinolone Topical)?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with triamcinolone topical can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes, or on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin.

Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor’s advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of triamcinolone topical.

Triamcinolone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Aristocort Topical (Triamcinolone Topical)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to triamcinolone.

Before using triamcinolone topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• any skin infection, especially tuberculosis infection of the skin
• chicken pox or herpes infection (including cold sores)
• diabetes; or
• a stomach ulcer

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use triamcinolone topical, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether triamcinolone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor’s advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of triamcinolone topical.

Aristocort Topical Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Aristocort Topical (Triamcinolone Topical)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these signs that you may be absorbing triamcinolone topical through your skin or gums:

• blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights
• uneven heartbeats
• mood changes
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
• feeling tired

Less serious side effects may include:

• skin redness, burning, itching, or peeling
• thinning of your skin; or
• blistering skin; or
• stretch marks

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Aristocort Topical Interactions

What other drugs affect Aristocort Topical (Triamcinolone Topical)?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied triamcinolone. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Aristocort Topical (Triamcinolone Topical)?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use triamcinolone topical on sunburned, windburned, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in open wounds.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or shampoos or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Aristocort Topical Dosage

How should I take Aristocort Topical (Triamcinolone Topical)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Triamcinolone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

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.

Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes or mouth, or on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin.

If you are using the dental paste, apply the medication in a thin layer, just enough to cover the mouth ulcer. The paste may stick better if you dry the mouth ulcer before applying the medication.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with triamcinolone topical can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days. It is important to use triamcinolone topical regularly to get the most benefit.

Store triamcinolone topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Aristocort Topical (Triamcinolone Topical)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of triamcinolone topical applied to the skin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Aristocort Topical (Triamcinolone Topical)?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com