What is Triamcinolone?

Triamcinolone is used to treat the itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and discomfort associated with various skin conditions. Triamcinolone requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.

For:

Cats and Dogs

Benefits:

• Prevents inflammation, which can cause itchiness and other skin irritations
• Treats many different conditions

How it Works:

Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid, which reduces swelling. It's used to treat many different conditions, including inflammation, and immune and allergic disorders.

Cautions:

Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Best given during meals to avoid upset stomach. Triamcinolone should not be stopped suddenly. There should be a gradual reduction in dosage before stopping.

Brand Name:

TriAcet (Phoenix), Cortalone (Vedco), Vetalog (Fort Dodge), Triamtabs (Vetus)

Generic Name:

Triamcinolone tablets (try-am-sin'-alone)

What is the most important information I should know about triamcinolone:

Triamcinolone is a prescription medication that is FDA-approved for use in dogs and cats. Triamcinolone is available as 1.5mg scored tablets. The usual dose for dogs and cats is 1/2-1mg per 10 pounds of body weight daily and depends on the condition being treated and the response to treatment. Triamcinolone should not be stopped suddenly. There should be a gradual reduction in dosage before stopping. Triamcinolone should be given with food to lessen stomach upset.

What is Triamcinolone:

Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid. Triamcinolone reduces swelling and decreases the pet's ability to fight infections. Triamcinolone is used to treat many different conditions. Triamcinolone is used to treat endocrine disorders and is also used to treat many immune and allergic disorders such as allergic reactions, skin reactions, arthritis, bursitis, gout, lupus, asthma, colitis, and others. Triamcinolone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving triamcinolone to my pet:

Do not give triamcinolone to your pet if the pet has a serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Triamcinolone weakens a pet's immune response and its ability to fight infections. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, heart disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or any other medical conditions. Also tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.

How should this medication be given:

Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Keep plenty of water available for the pet. Triamcinolone should be given with food to lessen stomach upset. Store triamcinolone at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets. 

What happens if I miss giving a dose:

If you give one dose daily, give the missed dose as soon as remembered. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and give only the regular daily dose. If you give more than one dose daily, either give the missed dose as soon as remembered, or give two doses the next dose time. If you give one dose every other day, give the missed dose as soon as remembered, then go back to the regular every other day schedule.

What happens if I overdose the pet:

Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. A single large dose of triamcinolone is unlikely to cause symptoms or death. An overdose is more likely to occur due to large doses being taken over a period of time. Symptoms of overdose include weight gain, panting, increased thirst, hunger and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, and Cushing's syndrome.

What should I avoid while giving Triamcinolone to my pet:

Avoid sources of infection. Do not use any vaccines without checking with your veterinarian.

What are the possible side effects of Triamcinolone:

If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving triamcinolone and seek emergency veterinary medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; hives), increased blood pressure or sudden weight gain. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving triamcinolone and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences insomnia, nausea, vomiting or stomach upset, fatigue, muscle weakness or joint pain, problems with diabetes control, or increased hunger or thirst. Other side effects that occur rarely, usually with high doses of triamcinolone include thinning of the skin, cataracts, glaucoma, and behavior changes. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.

What other drugs will affect Triamcinolone:

Do not give any other over-the-counter or prescription medications, including herbal products, during treatment with triamcinolone without first talking to your veterinarian. Many other medications can interact with triamcinolone resulting in side effects or altered effectiveness.

Where can I get more information:

Your pharmacist has additional information about Triamcinolone written for health professionals that you may read.