Triamcinolone nasal aerosol
What does triamcinolone nasal aerosol do?
TRIAMCINOLONE (Nasacort(R)) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Triamcinolone is similar to natural steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland. Triamcinolone treats allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial), and other inflammatory conditions affecting the nose.
What should my health care professional know before I use triamcinolone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• diabetes
• blood clotting problems
• heart, liver, or kidney disease
• high blood pressure
• infection; measles, tuberculosis, herpes or chickenpox
• mental problems or psychosis
• myasthenia gravis
• osteoporosis
• previous heart attack
• seizures (convulsions)
• stomach or intestinal disease
• under-active thyroid
• an unusual or allergic reaction to triamcinolone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Triamcinolone nasal aerosol is only for use in the nose. Do not take by mouth. Blow the nose gently without squeezing. Shake inhaler thoroughly and invert before use. Tilt head backwards, put the nozzle into one nostril, and point the opening of the nozzle toward the inflamed area. Hold other nostril closed and spray while breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Before using in the other nostril, shake inhaler again, and repeat the above procedure. If 2 sprays are required, point one spray toward the upper and one toward the lower part of the nostril to make sure triamcinolone is evenly distributed onto the nasal mucosa. Clean the inhaler daily. Remove the canister from the inhaler. Rinse the cap, nosepiece, and the inhaler with warm water and dry thoroughly. Do not use more than the recommended dose.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If you do not remember within an hour or so, skip the missed dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with triamcinolone?
• amphotericin B
• antiinflammatory drugs, (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• blood thinners such as warfarin
• certain heart medicines
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines that improve muscle tone or strength for conditions like myasthenia gravis
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• vaccines and other immunization products
• water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using triamcinolone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• eye pain, decreased or blurred vision
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• headache
• loss of taste and sense of smell
• nausea, vomiting
• nosebleeds or crusting inside the nose
• runny nose, or watery eyes
• shortness of breath, wheezing, cough
• sores inside the nose, or sore throat
• stomach pains
• unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• dryness or burning inside the nose
• sneezing