triamcinolone inhalation Health Article

Generic name(s):

triamcinolone inhalation

Brand name(s):

triamcinolone, Azmacort

What is the most important information I should know about triamcinolone inhalation?

Do not use triamcinolone inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use another, faster-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.

Contact your doctor if your asthma symptoms do not improve after using triamcinolone inhalation for 2 weeks.

Seek medical attention if you think any of your asthma medications are not working as well as usual. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. Your dosage needs may also change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to triamcinolone inhalation, you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency.

What is triamcinolone inhalation?

Triamcinolone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Triamcinolone inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using triamcinolone inhalation?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind (especially tuberculosis). You may not be able to use triamcinolone inhalation until you are well.

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 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use triamcinolone inhalation without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Triamcinolone can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 5 years old.

Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.